If you are new to the game of golf you’ll soon discover that what you wear when on any golfing holidays or when playing the game and even what you wear in the clubhouse afterwards is of critical importance. Should you fail to wear clothing that is deemed appropriate, you will not be allowed play. Unless you are willing to outfit yourself at the club’s pro shop and change on the spot, you won’t even be allowed to remain on the property in many cases. Golf is an ancient game, complete with well established traditions and rules of etiquette. Most golf clubs, with the exception of a few municipal or public courses, have specific dress codes for not only the golf course, but the clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts and any other club facilities. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the greens fees the stricter the dress code.
Although dress codes vary from club to club, some basic rules apply. Denim of any kind, be it jeans, shorts, skirts, jackets or shirts is generally not permitted anywhere on the property. Some clubs do not allow men to wear shorts, and those that do, are very specific about the length of shorts allowed. Usually shorts must never be below the knee and no more than about seven to ten centimeters above the knee. Tennis, gym, basketball or multi-pocketed cargo shorts are definitely out. The clubs that don’t allow shorts, require men to wear tailored slacks, with belt loops and a belt. Pants cannot have a drawstring or elastic waistband or external cargo-style pockets. Most clubs and golf villas require that men wear a golf or polo shirt with a collar and sleeves. In colder weather, a cardigan, pullover or sweater vest can be worn over the shirt. In most cases, shirts cannot be worn loose, but must be tucked in at all times. T-shirts, sweatshirts or muscle shirts are not allowed.
The dress codes for women usually prohibit halter, tank or strapless tops, but allow sleeveless shirts if they have a collar. Shirts have to be tucked in unless it is a designer shirt intended to be worn untucked. Bare midriffs are definitely out. Women can wear tailored golf slacks, Capri pants or skirts and culottes that meet the clubs length requirements (generally no more than twelve to twenty centimeters above the knee). Many clubs also allow shorts, providing, of course they are the correct length.
Golfers often wear hats or some type of headgear to shield them from the sun. Visors and baseball caps are permitted providing they do not have commercial logos unrelated to golf and most clubs require that caps are worn in the forward position at all times. These days very few golf clubs allow golfers to wear shoes with metal cleats as they damage the greens. Shoes should have soft spikes and some golf courses allow golf sandals. Sneakers, dress shoes or flip flops are not appropriate. Dress codes even dictate if and how socks are to be worn and even what color they can be.
If you are headed for a golf course that you have never played at before, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to find out what their dress code is. In the vast majority of cases, if you show up clad in a collared short or long sleeved shirt, a pair of Dockers-style slacks, soft spiked golf shoes, plain white or solid coloured socks and you don’t have your baseball cap on backwards, you’ll meet the dress code requirements. When selecting golf wear, you’re going for the clean-cut, preppy look.
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