Unlike all the planning that goes into picking the exact right golf shirt and vest combination for a day on the course, you probably don't give much thought to the bottom half of your golf wardrobe, other than that it matches (hopefully). But if you really want to look sharp on the first tee, you should. Perhaps the biggest difference between pros and amateurs, besides perfect swings and the ability to drive the ball 300 yards, is the quality of their golf trousers. For the most part (John Daly and Boo Weekley excluded), pros look so good because they wear custom-made slacks. (When it comes to fashion, it's all about the right fit.) They've certainly come a long way from their Sansabelt-wearing brethren from the '70s and '80s,
And, yes, there is a difference between regular slacks and golf pants. The latter have deeper or dual pockets for separating tees and ball markers and back pockets without flaps for easier access for a glove and scorecard. And they're often made of performance fabrics (yes, yes, yes, we're talking about polyester but nobody calls it that anymore), though the best are tropical wools. Try to avoid the $39 cotton chino, with its visible seems and lack of reinforced waistband.
Worn by close to 200 tour pros, elevee is the official apparel provider to the 2009 U.S. Presidents Cup team. Its golf trousers come in five basic styles that you can customize in dozens of different ways, starting with 12 different fabric selections with multiple color and design patterns. You also have your choice of pocket, belt loop and bottom options like the upside down V slit that's popular on tour.
You might not play like a pro in pair of elevee's, but at least you'll look like one.
$295 ($395 for "Fancies"), elevee.com/golf
