What were the worst Team USA Ryder Cup uniforms? The 1999 shirt disaster

The Ryder Cup has been an exciting event since 1979, with Europe holding a record of 14 wins against the USA’s 27. However, it’s unclear who has been winning or losing in the fashion department over the years. Both teams have had their fair share of fashion disasters, so it begs the question: Who has dressed the worst in the Ryder Cup?

The upcoming Ryder Cup will occur at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, just outside Rome, Italy, ironically close to a place where personal style is larger than life. It is a biannual contest where the best of the USA face off against the best of Europe. With the event just around the corner, everybody awaits what fashion horrors 2023 has in store for us.

Throughout the years, there have been some memorable outfits, some of which were not so good. In 1955, Team USA wore a terrible combination of outer jackets and Bermuda shorts during the event in Palm Springs. They must have thought it was a good idea to prepare for the worst while hoping for some sunshine, having experienced the worst British weather at Wentworth two years prior.

Unfortunately, things didn’t get much better for them as they showed up at the Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s Golf Club in England in 1961 dressed like a team of 1960s milkmen.

Related: Who designed Team USA’s uniforms for the 2023 Ryder Cup?

The 1999 Shirt disaster

The 1999 Ryder Cup saw a significant uniform mishap for Team USA. Their clothing choices were criticized for their unconventional design. The shirts featured an abstract, multicolored pattern that deviated from traditional and conservative Golf attire.

Many fans and golf experts panned the 1999 Team USA Ryder Cup uniforms for being bold and colorful, considered out of place in the traditionally reserved world of golf. Some even described them as tacky and distracting.

Unfortunately, the team’s performance on the course did not meet expectations, with Team USA dramatically losing to Team Europe. The uniform controversy only added to the disappointment of the event for American fans.

This is a reminder that even minor details like team uniforms can become a significant part of a sporting event’s narrative and impact the perception of a team’s performance. The 1999 Ryder Cup uniforms will likely be remembered as one of the most unfortunate fashion choices in the tournament’s history.