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Mixed reaction to Justin Thomas' throwback attire for The Open

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Justin Thomas explains the reasoning behind his interesting outfit choice while praising Royal Birkdale as one of the great links courses.

Justin Thomas' throwback outfit caused mixed reaction from golf fans and pundits during the opening round of The Open at Royal Birkdale.

Thomas generated plenty of debate on social media and around the course for his formal golf attire, which consisted of a woven knit skinny tie with a cardigan.

The clothing worn by the world No 13 resembles what many of golf's original greats wore in the early 20th century, but is a look virtually unrecognisable in today's game.

Justin Thomas
Image: Thomas revealed on social media the outfits he would be wearing this week

Although the American said pre-tournament that wearing his Ralph Lauren outfit wouldn't affect his game in any way, it still split the opinions of the Sky Sports Golf pundits.

Here's what a few of them made of the look…

Claude Harmon

"I thought the outfit was pretty good. He was getting a little bit of grief from some of the players coming out, but I think it looks good.

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SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 20:  Justin Thomas of the United States putts on the 4th green during the first round of the 146th Open Championship at Royal Bir
Image: Thomas posted two birdies on the front nine at Royal Birkdale

"We're in a cool time where players can do some throwback stuff. The only bad thing is that if he dresses like that and plays badly he's going to get a lot of grief, so he better player good!"

Nick Dougherty

"I'm not sure it's a good shout this week. I understand that he's with a manufacturer that would very much like that [outfit], but he will feel a bit different with a tie on.

The Open Live

"Would I want to feel like that playing The Open? He had a great chance coming in here and may still do, but wearing that is a big shout."

Sarah Stirk

"It's a hit for me. It's a nice, clean and classic look and I think it looks great on Justin. His clothing sponsors have done a really good job putting that together. It's certainly a much better look than Jason Day's trousers today - that's a miss!"

The Thomas outfit has certainly divided opinion
Image: The Thomas outfit has certainly divided opinion

David Livingstone

"I welcome the new looks being sported by the likes of Rickie Fowler and many of the younger players out there, but I think the Justin Thomas look today is a miss. I appreciate what he's trying to do, but he just hasn't pulled it off in my opinion.

"It would have been better had he worn a proper collar and tie, so I'm going to vote for a miss."

Tim Barter

"I loved it, I thought it was fantastic. Justin looked very stylish, the outfit did not impede the way he played and he proved that by shooting a 67. I enjoyed seeing him out on the course, and he was great to interview at the Sky Cart afterwards as well. Definitely a hit for me."

Was Thomas' outfit a hit or a miss? Cast your vote below!