​Golfing Attire Etiquette

Golf is a game that prides itself on maintaining tradition. From the rules of the game to accepted course conduct, golf traditions have changed little since its inception. Unlike many sports, golf is one of the few that has a dress code.

Golf attire is part of commonly accepted etiquette that every golfer should be aware of , but dress codes vary from course to course. Public courses generally have a more relaxed attitude to golf attire, whereas private clubs have stricter rules where players can be refused access if the clothing requirements are not met.

Though this may seem unfair to the casual player, dress codes have been a part of golf’s history since the beginning.

A Gentleman’s Game: History of Golf Attire

Golf began in Scotland during the Middle Ages and was introduced stateside in the 1800s. The fashions that were commonly seen on the course were indicative of the need for attire suitable for staying warm in colder climates, such as knickers, heavy woolen vests, tweed coats, and long socks.

Once golf gained more popularity, businessmen began to go straight from the office to the course, leading to a preference for business attire. Business style became the foundation for clubs and players and remained this way until the emergence of modern athletic wear that began to give players a competitive edge.

Functional Fashion: Modern Golf Attire

The major difference between historical and modern golf attire is the fabric and design choices. Golf attire has moved away from the traditional focus on style to a more functional approach.

As golf became recognized as a sport rather than a social activity, players and trainers began to see the need for attire that enabled a better range of movement and allowed players to reach their full athletic potential. This led to athletic wear featuring high-performance fabrics and design features.

The change in design prompted many clubs to adapt their dress codes to suit the needs of the players. So, to help you navigate modern golf attire etiquette, here are some general guidelines as to what is appropriate to wear.

Shirts

Collared shirts are necessary for most courses. This not only looks smarter, but it also keeps the sun off players’ necks, reducing the sunburn and keeping players cool during the game. Generally, a golf shirt will have two or three buttons and must be long enough to tuck into your pants and not come untucked during the game.

A player’s shirt can either be long- or short-sleeved, according to the weather; however, sleeveless shirts are not permitted for men. Women are the exception when it comes to sleeve length. Sleeveless tops are permitted if the shirt has a collar. Women are also permitted to leave their shirt untucked if the shirt is long enough to cover the midsection during play.

Pants

Private clubs often require long slacks, regardless of the weather conditions. However, most other clubs allow tailored shorts accompanied by a belt. The shorts must be knee-length and have sewn, not cut, hems. Denim is generally not permitted under any circumstances.

Women are permitted to wear either slacks, shorts, or skirts. However, the length of the skirt must pass your fingertips when you are standing, for most clubs, and, for more prestigious institutions like Augusta and Cypress Point, skirts must fall below the knees. This emphasis on modesty has been a point of contention in recent years, as the LPGA released a revised dress code for female professional golfers.

Shoes and Socks

One major modern change to the dress code concerns appropriate footwear. Previously, players were required to wear specially designed golf shoes which had metal spikes along the sole. However, to prevent damage to the course and clubhouse, many clubs have now banned golf spikes, allowing players to wear soft plastic spikes.

Boots are not allowed; neither are sandals, despite the hot weather. Socks are non-negotiable, as wearing shoes without socks is deemed too casual, though traditional knee socks are no longer necessary.

Caps

Golf is predominantly a warm weather sport, so clubs allow players to wear baseball caps, visors, and, in some cases, brimmed hats. Generally, the only stipulation is that they cannot be worn backward.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to feel intimidated by strict dress codes for golf courses. If you don’t own any golf-specific clothing, a good rule of thumb to follow is that if it is appropriate for a business setting, then it is likely appropriate for the golf course.

Though tradition is important for maintaining the integrity of golf institutions, innovation plays a significant role in keeping the game relevant and accessible to everyone. Just as changes to other elements of the game allowed for better gameplay , changes to dress codes on the course may allow players to reach their full potential.