Golf club ends 113-year sock rule

Men have been given permission to show off their legs at an Essex golf club for the first time in 113 years.

Members of Frinton Golf Club were previously required to wear knee-length socks with shorts.

But now committee members have relaxed the rule and men can wear short socks - a move that officials said has divided the club's 600 members.

The issue was raised because the club had growing numbers of junior members who objected to knee-length socks.

'Traditional club'

Some visiting teams were also said to have been unhappy about having to don long socks at Frinton.

The club, founded in 1895, still insists that men's shirts must have collars and shorts must be tailored.

A dress code reminds golfers that: "No denim clothing, tracksuits or shell suits should be worn either on the courses or in the clubhouse."

Nick Sams, a club professional, said: "The rule's just been changed. Not everybody's happy. It's a very traditional club."