Since golf was born on the wind-swept links of Scotland, golfers have taken their style cues from their Scottish forebears. In the early days, men wore knickers, derived from the knee breeches of English court dress, usually with a thick tweed jacket and even a waistcoat. Bulky tweeds provided a warm, thorn-proof shield against the elements, but were hardly conducive to a powerful shoulder turn. Golfers also wore shirts with starched collars and ties. Sturdy shoes and a tweed cap completed the outfit. Stylish men from Piping Rock to Pebble Beach emulated their counterparts at St. Andrews, and still do. Plaid, based on Scottish tartans, remains a staple of golf style.