Advertising watchdog dismisses complaint against risqué golf apparel

THE Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has found no wrongdoing on the part of the advertiser following a complaint about Swing Daddy's humorous golf shirt designs, which include a few “naughty” designs that appear on its website.

- ZELDA VENTER

THE Advertising Regulatory Board reviewed humorous golf-themed shirts amid a public complaint.

(SWING DADDY)

Cartoon-based sexually suggestive golf-themed shirts, advertised online and depicting tongue-in-cheek images of stick figures in sexual positions and, in some cases, male genitalia, recently came under the spotlight of ARB.

The complainant from a member of the public detailed that some of the items/accessories and clothing have penises, naked breasts, and explicit sexual innuendos printed on them, which the complainant deemed irresponsible. The complainant argued that should one wish to wear or advertise this, it should not be public and argued that adult content should be better managed.

Snyman Leaker Williams Attorneys, on behalf of the advertiser, submitted that its business is distinguished by the humorous use of puns and play on golfing superstitions. They pointed out that there are similar businesses across the world that sell such items.