After my round this morning, I went into the pro shop of my new club to introduce myself. While I was talking with the director of golf, he got a call and took it on speakerphone. It was a member out on the golf course calling to complain about the group in front of her (side note: based on the facial expression and reaction of Kurt, this is probably not the first time this has happened). One of the complaints was that a golfer was driving his cart right up next to the greens, but then at least four times during the call, she explicitly mentioned that this golfer was wearing a t-shirt (in an obviously unapproving tone).
Now if the dude was driving right next to the greens, that’s a massive no-no in my opinion, but the constant harping on the t-shirt got me thinking (not for the first time) about golf dress codes. I know that in a country club, I’ll be wearing polos (fortunately they allow untucked shirts if they are straight cut), but should it really matter? On a 100 degree summer day, there’s a part of me that would love to play in a sleeveless workout shirt (sun’s out, guns out!). Never actually did it though, guess the “code” got engrained in me as well. The local munis are allowing for t-shirts, but they still officially ban denim, although they don’t enforce it.
Just for myself, I don’t mind the “golf dress code” and I’m especially happy there are brands that are giving a more modern take on it. That said, should it REALLY matter what someone is wearing out on the golf course? If they are following the rules, keeping the pace of play, and generally being a decent person, should they be scoffed at for daring to wear a t-shirt? What do you all think?
Our club is no t shirts, jeans and shorts need to have a belt / no footy shorts and no hats in the clubhouse top floor(bar) ground floor (locker rooms) ok. I don’t have a problem with dress codes although technically I am breaking them by not wearing a belt with my pants. People that turn up inappropriately dressed they either go home and come back properly attired, or they buy clothes in the pro shop or more likely get directed to the range(out of sight). The only time I have heard of this is when a member brought a guest along but didn’t think to share dress code. If you join a private club then you also agree to the rules and respect them. Otherwise join a public course where policies may be more relaxed. It’s up to you decide and remember at every club there are people who just have to complain for the sake of complaining.
I guess the question is where do you draw the line. There are some outfits that I think almost all would agree are inappropriate. (Mankini for example?)
If you play at a private club then I think it’s reasonable that the members determine what’s reasonable. So if there is a dress code then stick to it. If you don’t like it then petition the board to change the rules. If you play at a public course then you follow the rules of management or take your money elsewhere. If it’s a muni then I guess it’s up to the entity what to allow.
I like to think I don’t much care what people wear but I’m not immune to turning my nose up at certain outfits I see.
Public golf - as long as your torso and upper arms are covered, wear whatever.
Private golf - dress code.
Does it REALLY matter? Of course not. Does it matter to traditionalist and purists? Yes. Men used to wear suits to play golf. It was adopted and grown as a “gentleman’s game.” I believe it should still be treated as such - let’s just say “gentleman’s” stands for a certain level of decorum and not literally just for gentleMEN. It fits for women golfers, as well.
We’re expected to act and carry ourselves a certain way on a golf course. There are rules of etiquette for a reason. We’re expected to care for the course by repairing divots, raking bunkers, etc. That’s out of respect for the game, fellow golfers, and the course. So why shouldn’t what we wear be included?
While I would never call someone in for a dress code violation unless it was truly offensive - say a big fat shirtless dude or anyone wearing something gross or vulgar with kids around - I do privately judge people on the golf course. And maybe I shouldn’t because I don’t do it anywhere else. But I feel a sense of protectiveness over the game I love, the tradition of it, and the respect I think everyone should show it.
I’m with the it doesn’t really matter crew. A caveat would me no offensive language or derogatory images on the t-shirt but as long as everything is covered who cares. I’ll play devils advocate here a little bit and talk on Women’s dress code. They can wear sleeveless shirts and short skirts/shorts and nobody seems to care, why is there a double standard? They (the pronoun people) keep saying they want to grow the game. It is one way to grow the game, not everyone can afford the expensive clothing that makes up property golf attire. Let them play in what they own. My opinion
I should add that while I always dress for golf the way places expect you to - polo, golf shorts, belt, tucked in - I do have visible tattoos and that is something I’ve receive some backlash on. They’re not offensive or ugly, but they’re visible and whether it’s right or wrong, a lot of people find it “trashy” or so I’ve been told to my face by the old guys I hit it 120 yards past.
My new club we joined has a very good mix of younger and older members and no one has said anything or seems to have an issue with my tattoos. I’ve seen others with them. So I don’t feel out of place or judged or anything. Not that I really care, to be honest.
I think the real important thing is how you act and how you treat others - in life and on the golf course - so that’s what I try to pay attention to.
I don’t think we should be comparing the way men should dress vs the way women dress. It shouldn’t be us vs them and because one person may be on the borderline of acceptable attire doesn’t mean we should sink to that level. Only once have I seen a skirt that was very very short. A visitor to the course and not a member. Golf attire doesn’t have to be expensive. My pants came from an op shop and cost $8 My golf polo’s were 2 for $49.
Interesting topic. I joined my country club 30 years ago. The dress code there was typical for private clubs at the time. No jeans, collared shirts (this rule has now changed to allow collarless golf shirts), shirts must be tucked in, etc, etc. These rules also apply at the driving range. Because I live close to the club, I lined to stop at the range and hit balls often. As a result, the dress code has changed how I dress both at the club and away from the club. For example, I rarely wear jeans now. Why? Because if I’m wearing jeans I can’t stop by the club to hit balls or order takeout food. Our children, who are in their mid and late twenties, have rarely seen their dad wear jeans. They think khakis is the only thing I have.
Thanks for the discussion! I personally feel just as comfortable in a golf polo as I do in a t-shirt because I wear the ones with sportier fabric. Also, I probably haven’t worn jeans in like 8 months because it’s Southern California so I wear shorts all the time (working from home during COVID certainly doesn’t hurt as well).
If I really think about it, I don’t want it to be a free for all, but I do think the expected dress should reflect that golf is an athletic endeavor, so clothing that allows you to move athletically should be good (so jeans are out). I think golf brands have definitely moved this direction, so even if we settled in an odd equilibrium where collars are still expected, you can still get comfortable “athletic” wear.
I’m only 40 but I’ve always enjoyed the tradition that our sport is smart.
I don’t buy in to any notion that no one has a polo shirt and decent pair of shorts.
I’m all for growing the game but if you’re not willing to at least make an effort, stick to pitch and putts for now!
Interesting. Do you wear sleeves when going to a nice / new club as a guest?
It wouldn’t bother me, but I could see some crotchety old farts really disliking the guy with tattoos breaking par at their course!
I do think that it matters at a private club.
Part of being in a community is accepting some basic standards and expectations. Like @bigdadenergy, I think the dress code is about acknowledging that “golf time” is special time that is set aside. There is a respect that is being expressed.
Now there are plenty of places that take this to the extreme and are quite snooty. I once was invited to a play a round at a nice club and my host was running late (we were supposed to eat lunch). I went into the men’s grill and asked if I could get a wrap to go on his account, since our tee time was in 10 minutes. The guy proceeds to tell me that unaccompanied guests ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE GRILL WITHOUT A MEMBER. This is the same type of course where members tattle on you for taking a phone call or having your shirt untucked.
There’s a happy medium somewhere in there.
My club has a dress code… our president sent a snooty email about it… I’m a serial offender as my shirts are rarely tucked in (I’m fat and it’s hot… I also tend to untuck my shirts when I’m “done” for the day, so I’m more relaxed untucked.)
I get it, it’s a rule and I agreed to it… and I do get a little bothered when people play in t shirts and jeans… I guess I’m an old man now… damnit.
I think with all things, there’s a balance… yes, make sure you are dressed appropriately, but maybe don’t lose your mind when someone isn’t.
I live in Florida now where it is accepted at most clubs to play with the shirt untucked. I still have a problem doing that after so many years having them tucked in.
There’s a fine line between having a dress code and being a snooty take yourself way too seriously club. If I’m at a nice course or our club I’m going to be wearing nice golf clothes. My shirt will be tucked in. That’s just how it goes at nice places. But I’ve played at places where paying members (very high paying members) have been asked to tuck their shirts when sitting out on a patio having a drink after a round. Like, get bent. Seriously. These are people who in some instances are paying tens of thousands of dollars to belong at this club. I get it’s nice and you want to maintain a level of decorum, but if I’m paying that kind of money and anyone that works there tells me to tuck my shirt in on the patio after a round I’m responding with a boisterous GFY.
And about sleeves, no. I wear nice, well taken care of golf clothes. They’re pressed and not wrinkly. I look just as put together as Frank Millionaire. I’ve played at world class courses and no one has ever said anything about my tattoos. The only place I’ve ever run into it is here in town at the club my in-laws used to belong to and once at Indian Creek - where they play a KFT event, but there’s no membership or anything. It’s a public course. There’s just a group of old guys who have all the early tee times that feel like the course belongs to them.
Another reason I stopped making that my home course and moved us to a private club.
I always dress in a collared shirt even at our course where you don’t have to. I feel like if i look good i will play good. I also have 2 kids and we all know they notice everything. I expect them to dress in proper attire (they play every day) so i better lead by example.
I know times change but i feel like the tradition of golf is what it is.
Yeah, the big thing golf Twitter is mad about right now is Tyrell Hatton’s hoodie.
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It’s outerwear. He has a polo on underneath.
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It’s awesome.
There are a lot areas golf needs to come into the 21st century. Accessories and outerwear are areas where I think “risks” can be taken.
The general attire is what it is and aside from thinking pros should be able to wear shorts, I think generally accepted golf attire is and should be here to stay.
Now I’m wondering if I could get away with wearing my Linksoul hoodie out on my course…not going to try it though. Don’t want to get called out on my first week.
I think that’s a wise decision.
I really dislike golf dress codes. It’s a kind of wholly unnecessary virtue signaling.
I sweat like crazy when the sun is out and have never found a sleeved shirt that doesn’t stick to me and bind across my back. When it’s hot out, I swing much, much more comfortably in a sleeveless shirt. It’s functional in basketball, and it’s functional in golf.
It’s time to part ways with the 19th century …