Is Golf's Dress Code Outdated?

[GolfSpy_APH]

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/is-golfs-dress-code-outdated/

[Terry Mclees]

If you don't put some kind of limits people would dress like some do on the street at least with some restrictions you do have control 

[Dan Underwood]

I don't think it's outdated.   I have a membership at our public course, and there needs to be some decoram because where I play we have no dress code and it is crazy what people where here.  There will be girls in just their underwear almost.  To some that might be fine but I have kids and I don't want them seeing all that.  I also wish that there would be less adult beverages too because of the same thing.  It is crazy.  On the opposite side I play at the other three courses I play have very strict dress code I'm never worried that my kids will walk upon some stranger almost completely naked.  

[berkeleybob]

I don’t know. Wimbledon has a dress code. It’s one of the things that makes the tournament stand out among the US, French and Australian Open. Style and practicality hasn’t suffered because of it, and I think the same can be said for pro golf as well.

Should I be subject to a dress code as a golfer at my level? It doesn’t bother me. Collars are practical in both cold and warm weather. Shorts are allowed. 

Is the act of having a dress code antiquated? Not to me. I don’t feel as though I’m subject to a sort of oppression or limitation on my freedom of self-expression.

But listen, if you feel it’s your right to golf in a T-shirt, shorts and Chuck Taylors, it doesn’t bother me. But you’re going to keep pace of play, right?

Edited March 15 by berkeleybob

[GolfSpy_APH]

18 minutes ago, Terry Mclees said:

If you don't put some kind of limits people would dress like some do on the street at least with some restrictions you do have control 

So why is that a bad thing? If people are comfortable and enjoying the sport and not damaging the course, keeping up with pace of play. Just for the sake of discussion. 

[ILMgolfnut]

I'm okay with no tank-tops or ripped jeans, but other than that I think it's kinda silly. Little podunk courses act like they're freaking Augusta National. Does it really damage the dignity of the game if a shirt that is designed to be worn untucked is actually worn untucked?

[MGoBlue100]

Here come the "Most Wanted Bluetooth Speaker" commenters.  I don't really want to see anyone topless, but collared shirts and pleats need to go the way of the tweed jacket, necktie and the Dodo. Show up, keep up and be fun to paly golf with for 4+ hours. Those should be the criteria.

[hoppman]

With no dress code, what next, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria... 

Relax Francis, as long as they keep up, repair ballmarks and divots, what they wear doesn't really concern me. 

[Swood1994]

I think to an extent a "dress code" is needed but not what I think the article points to which is collared shirt, pants, and golf shoes. Most of the muni courses I play have the typical dress code sign but people can wear essentially whatever they want. So long as the etiquette of the game exists I don't think there is any issue with shorts a t-shirt (barring any lewd images/sayings) and sneakers. What I care most about is how they respect the course and the people around them.

Now when we look at professional golf and private clubs and their  "dress code" that is whatever they dictate it to be so if you don't like it don't join there. I've played at courses where a change of clothes was needed just to walk into the clubhouse for lunch. but I was a guest playing under their rules. Who am I to tell them they are wrong? Professional sports are more of an image and setting an example for others so I don't think holding them to higher standard is necessarily wrong. I think shorts are fine but a normal golf shirt and tucked in is fine to continue as "tradition". The players are representing not only themselves but the course they are playing at and the sponsors making the event a possibility.

Edited March 15 by Swood1994

[BKervin]

As long as the attire is presentable - who cares.  It's about playing, keeping pace and learning a life long sport.

Clothes are expensive! Clubs are expensive!  Shoes are expensive! Balls are expensive! 

I golf with a lady who goes out on the weekend to look for lost balls just so she can play the game she loves.  She wouldn't be able to play without doing this. She uses old clubs as she can't afford new ones.  She asks for tees for her birthday and Christmas presents.  She wears 10 year old golf shoes. She doesn't buy new clothes. She has a great game with a 6 GHIN. 

Should we ban these individuals from playing?  I think not.  I truly enjoy playing with her!

[bens197]

I’ve definitely lowered my expectations. Personally I love to dress nicely on the course but I won’t judge someone for wearing jeans and a hoodie or joggers and a t shirt. 
 

I will judge them if they play slow. 

[Guest-0]

54 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/is-golfs-dress-code-outdated/

THIS IS EXACTLY HOW I VIEW IT!!! couldn't be written any better!!! In any sport those of us who have played it for any amount of time have seen massive innovations iam a golfer and this is true!! A fisherman and true and a competitive shooter and really true on this front and golf and only golf has held on to this southern plantation "gentlemans" BS for far too long!!! Not much gives me more joy than walking past the range at my club and seeing a 14 yr old with his airpods in jamming some godawful crap they call music and striping 3 iron stingers 260 down the middle. Well on said day as I walked by a hear a commotion and turn and a group of guys my age are berating this poor kid for his shorts and Hoodie (which by the way was a golf hoodie) they went too far screaming at a kid and iam not a small individual and absolutely hate a bully so I went out there and made the problem leave. Two days later the head pro calls me in his office and starts to "counsel" me??? I told him he best start catering to the changing of the guard and if there were anymore issues my lawyers would be his next phone call I have heard no more of it except for the new dress code allowing shorts of any appropriate nature and t-shirts and hoodies if golf applicable he must have done his homework!!! It's time we revise this archaic crap and make golf fun for everyone not just those of us who are on the clock!!!!!

11 minutes ago, BKervin said:

As long as the attire is presentable - who cares.  It's about playing, keeping pace and learning a life long sport.

Clothes are expensive! Clubs are expensive!  Shoes are expensive! Balls are expensive! 

I golf with a lady who goes out on the weekend to look for lost balls just so she can play the game she loves.  She wouldn't be able to play without doing this. She uses old clubs as she can't afford new ones.  She asks for tees for her birthday and Christmas presents.  She wears 10 year old golf shoes. She doesn't buy new clothes. She has a great game with a 6 GHIN. 

Should we ban these individuals from playing?  I think not.  I truly enjoy playing with her!

Absolutely not!!! I would buy her a membership!!!

[Tom the Golf Nut]

If you go to someone’s house and you see all their shoes by the door. You take yours off as well. If a course has a dress code you follow it or leave. It’s that simple. 
I have been fortunate enough to play some very exclusive courses and the dress codes are very strict. (Collared shirts tucked in, hats are not to be worn backward and you can’t wear one in the club house, no jeans or cut offs, no changing shoes in the parking lot) and so forth. Stuffy, Absolutely. 
I dress golf appropriate as I never know what the course policy is until I get there. I would hate to be turned away because of my attire.

As far as I’m concerned. Just be somewhat neat and keep up pace of play. I also just can’t fathom playing golf in jeans. Way too uncomfortable for golf in my opinion. But I don’t care if that’s what you like.

My only pet peeve 
No wife beater tee shirts. I don’t need to see your hairy armpits dripping sweat.

 

[Mr_BogeyPro]

I hear what you are saying, but I think golf should maintain its current dress code, with one exception for the pros.

For smaller events, I wouldn't mind seeing pros in shorts. In the majors, I say stay strict with pants, but I wouldn't care if they were in shorts for all other events.

 

[Guest-0]

7 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

If you go to someone’s house and you see all their shoes by the door. You take yours off as well. If a course has a dress code you follow it or leave. It’s that simple. 
I have been fortunate enough to play some very exclusive courses and the dress codes are very strict. (Collared shirts tucked in, hats are not to be worn backward and you can’t wear one in the club house, no jeans or cut offs, no changing shoes in the parking lot) and so forth. Stuffy, Absolutely. 
I dress golf appropriate as I never know what the course policy is until I get there. I would hate to be turned away because of my attire.

As far as I’m concerned. Just be somewhat neat and keep up pace of play. I also just can’t fathom playing golf in jeans. Way too uncomfortable for golf in my opinion. But I don’t care if that’s what you like.

My only pet peeve 
No wife beater tee shirts. I don’t need to see your hairy armpits dripping sweat.

 

They should be a felony charge period!!! They are truly vile and iam not sure why anyone would wear one !! 

[Cade Rousseau]

I feel it depends on the type of club you’re playing at. A local muni/par 3 course most likely has lower standards. Personally, I’m not a fan of jeans on the course but it really depends on where you’re playing. Across the board, I feel a polo and khaki shorts/pants should do the job. 
 

I do enjoy the new trend of hoodies and differing quarter zips. As long as the club sets rules online, players should be held to the whatever standard it is. 

[MGoBlue100]

1 hour ago, hoppman said:

With no dress code, what next, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria... 

Relax Francis, as long as they keep up, repair ballmarks and divots, what they wear doesn't really concern me. 

Are we doing the human sacrifice to celebrate a birdie, or to conjure one up from the Gods? Dress codes are one thing, but there have to be RULES, man!!

[Guest-0]

9 minutes ago, Cade Rousseau said:

I feel it depends on the type of club you’re playing at. A local muni/par 3 course most likely has lower standards. Personally, I’m not a fan of jeans on the course but it really depends on where you’re playing. Across the board, I feel a polo and khaki shorts/pants should do the job. 
 

I do enjoy the new trend of hoodies and differing quarter zips. As long as the club sets rules online, players should be held to the whatever standard it is. 

Not picking at you at all here and iam a club member and would never wear jeans golfing but what about someone wearing jeans bothers you??? I mean iam just trying to understand? I've seen guys freak out on people for what they were wearing and I always wondered why???

[Byrnzee]

Golf's dress code is definitely outdated, but I do believe in still having one. If certain courses/clubs want to enforce rules that fit their aesthetic, I'm not opposed. I would say I'm more of a traditionalist in that I'll typically always wear a polo if I'm playing. 

In recent years at public courses without stricter codes, I've ditched tucked-in shirts and opted for the occasional hoodie over a quarter-zip. But I think at the end of the day, people can wear whatever makes them comfortable as long as it's within the rules of the course they're playing.

[THE GOLF GUY]

1 hour ago, BKervin said:

As long as the attire is presentable - who cares.  It's about playing, keeping pace and learning a life long sport.

Clothes are expensive! Clubs are expensive!  Shoes are expensive! Balls are expensive! 

I golf with a lady who goes out on the weekend to look for lost balls just so she can play the game she loves.  She wouldn't be able to play without doing this. She uses old clubs as she can't afford new ones.  She asks for tees for her birthday and Christmas presents.  She wears 10 year old golf shoes. She doesn't buy new clothes. She has a great game with a 6 GHIN. 

Should we ban these individuals from playing?  I think not.  I truly enjoy playing with her!

Agreed, if you want to belong to a place that dictates what you wear , do it , but don’t feel like everyone one else has to adhere to a “standard” just because you think so . I like to dress decent at the course but that’s my prerogative. But I also like to dress nicely going to church, out to dinner too . Tiger wears a mock tee playing amongst many others , so everyone lighten up and you ll have more fun !

Edited March 15 by THE GOLF GUY

[Wheelieb]

1 hour ago, Swood1994 said:

So long as the etiquette of the game exists I don't think there is any issue with shorts a t-shirt (barring any lewd images/sayings)

If I want to wear my shirt that says “F@&$ CANCER” at a course but it’s the actual spelling of that word, I would do it. Why? Because I am positive no one would have an issue with it. 
 

I’ll be honest, I used to be all about people wearing polos. Now I’m all about having fun, and playing in comfortable clothes. I also don’t care what others wear, want to wear a mankini? Get out there and fix your pitch marks while doing it. Women want to wear pretty much as little as Paige Spiranac. As long as they are keeping pace I don’t care. I’m not on the course to judge people. I’m on the course to get better, I feel it’s weird to be looking and seeing what others are wearing but that’s me. Let people play in what they want to play in. It isn’t going to hurt anyone’s play unless you’re trying to check them out. Then that’s weird. But that’s my opinion, and may be a little inflammatory to some. 

[DiscipleofPenick]

For public golf I don't think it really matters. My biggest concern is the people who just hear they need cleats/spikes to play and show up in baseball or football cleats...yes this happens. I don't care about t-shirts, tanks, short shorts, tennis shoes whatever. Like I've said before, and others have mentioned, just get done in 4-4 1/2 hours and don't trash the course.

[Guest-0]

1 minute ago, Wheelieb said:

If I want to wear my shirt that says “F@&$ CANCER” at a course but it’s the actual spelling of that word, I would do it. Why? Because I am positive no one would have an issue with it. 
 

I’ll be honest, I used to be all about people wearing polos. Now I’m all about having fun, and playing in comfortable clothes. I also don’t care what others wear, want to wear a mankini? Get out there and fix your pitch marks while doing it. Women want to wear pretty much as little as Paige Spiranac. As long as they are keeping pace I don’t care. I’m not on the course to judge people. I’m on the course to get better, I feel it’s weird to be looking and seeing what others are wearing but that’s me. Let people play in what they want to play in. It isn’t going to hurt anyone’s play unless you’re trying to check them out. Then that’s weird. But that’s my opinion, and may be a little inflammatory to some. 

I have always wondered what it was that bothered other people about someone's attire??? I have not once in my life thought "I'm going to put a stop to this" I guess I've seen enough bad stuff that I cannot imagine sweating someone for wearing a shirt I didn't like??? Now I have told my son about a hundred times how stupid those "joggers" or skinny things they wear look though but it's all in good nature as I really loathe censorship or cancel culture completely!!!

[VernL4]

Connor's opening word was "YES". And he's correct. I don't want people walking around like total slobs, but at the same time, I don't think a collar is necessary to have a good time. I think shorts are fine as well. 

[russtopherb]

11 minutes ago, Wheelieb said:

I’ll be honest, I used to be all about people wearing polos. Now I’m all about having fun, and playing in comfortable clothes. I also don’t care what others wear, want to wear a mankini? Get out there and fix your pitch marks while doing it. Women want to wear pretty much as little as Paige Spiranac. As long as they are keeping pace I don’t care. I’m not on the course to judge people. I’m on the course to get better, I feel it’s weird to be looking and seeing what others are wearing but that’s me. Let people play in what they want to play in. It isn’t going to hurt anyone’s play unless you’re trying to check them out. Then that’s weird. But that’s my opinion, and may be a little inflammatory to some. 

I couldn't have said it any better myself.

I've played with some real douchecanoes wearing $100 polos and top of the line shoes, and I've played with some awesome folks who'd take my money 8 days a week while they're wearing jeans and beat up sneakers, and I'd gladly play with them every single day.

[Triple_Putt]

Im for letting people do as they wish, heck most people do anyways.  If people want to look like slobs, then its not harming me in anyway, just please keep the pace proper and fix any damage you make

[Wheelieb]

2 hours ago, russtopherb said:

I've played with some awesome folks who'd take my money 8 days a week while they're wearing jeans and beat up sneakers, and I'd gladly play with them every single day.

Those are the best people to play with. I also have my thoughts on the whole children comment made, but I’m not going to start an argument. All I’ll say is beaches and pools should be places not to take children as well

[Prodigal Duffer]

Isn’t the origin of the dress code basically what people normally wore about 100 years ago? Men of all stripes frequently wore ties and hats out in public. It was considered proper societal etiquette. 

Society has changed (duh). Most men don’t wear suits ever, hats are more of an accessory rather than a requirement. 

I don’t know the rationale for having the current dress code, but it is probably a bit stricter than general societal expectations. I am okay with that, would be okay with relaxing it a bit too. Agree with the poster who doesn’t want to see someone partially nude. Seems like a low bar to clear.

[Syks7]

Having just played a place with a very strict dress code I can say that I don't think a dress code is outdated.  It was nice that everyone looked presentable. Would I have liked to have been able to wear my preferred nice golf hoodie vs. a quarter zip and tucked in polo, yes, but it wasn't an issue.

Do I think that should be the case for municipal golf courses, no, but I do think there should be at least some level of dress code.  It doesn't bother me when there isn't, but I would mainly say as far as muni dress code goes.  No graphic tees.  

Edited March 15 by Syks7

[chisag]

3 hours ago, Byrnzee said:

Golf's dress code is definitely outdated, but I do believe in still having one. If certain courses/clubs want to enforce rules that fit their aesthetic, I'm not opposed. I would say I'm more of a traditionalist in that I'll typically always wear a polo if I'm playing. 

In recent years at public courses without stricter codes, I've ditched tucked-in shirts and opted for the occasional hoodie over a quarter-zip. But I think at the end of the day, people can wear whatever makes them comfortable as long as it's within the rules of the course they're playing.

 

... There is really only one constant in life and that is change. Golf always was an elitist game/sport and that changed when Tiger started wining. And like most things in life the changes have been good and bad for the game. You wanna drink many more than a few and blare your music others don't wanna hear from 2 fairways away? Topgolf welcomes you.   But not on your local golf course where your music and screaming disrupts others. Really no different than going to a nice casual restaurant, getting hammered and very LOUD, ruining the experience for the rest that are dining and it is just selfish. 

... On the other hand spiked shoes with kilts, colored shirts and dress pants have thankfully been replaced by more casual clothing. To be fair I don't wanna see body fat squeezing out and flapping over the edges of a tank top on a man or woman so there are limits. But just clean and decent is the least someone can do for those sharing the course with them, so cargo shorts and a tee shirt with gym shoes shouldn't really annoy anyone.

... Personally I wear nice colored shirts with golf pants or golf shorts. I tuck them in during the winter and leave them untucked during the summer when temps get well above 100*. I don't wear them because they are traditional, I just like the look. I join a semi private upscale course during the summer because it is the only tree lined course near me here in the desert. If I get paired up with some guys wearing  tee shirts, cut of jeans and some sandals ... as long as they are pleasant company, respect the course repairing any damage they do and keep pace, I am quite happy to play with them.