Was Scottie Scheffler's 'Casual' Attire On The Golf Course Acceptable? - Our (Unanimous) Verdict

Scottie Scheffler turned a few heads on social media this week after a video of him playing golf at North Berwick Golf Club in a pair of 'gym shorts' and a collarless t-shirt emerged.

Likely warming up for the Genesis Scottish Open, the World No.1 opted for casual attire on one of the most famous courses in the country - if not the whole of the United Kingdom.

The comments that I have seen appear to be fairly well split, so I decided to ask a number of the Golf Monthly team whether they felt it was acceptable for the Scottie Scheffler to go against traditional dress code rules by rocking this casual look.

The result of the poll was unanimous - casual is fine... you go for it Scottie!

Scottie Scheffler's 'Casual' Attire: Our (Unanimous) Verdict

I received eight responses to my initial question, all of which suggested that Scottie Scheffler was fine to wear a collarless t-shirt and gym shorts in what was clearly a relaxed knock on a sunny summer's evening.

He wasn't teeing it up at a tour event, or in a Major, so I am baffled by how passionately some commenters have criticised his decision - it's so old fashioned.

The video in question has been posted numerous times, across various platforms and on many different social media accounts. For reference, here it is...

Interestingly, that particular post came directly from North Berwick Golf Club's X account. The fact that North Berwick have posted a video of the World No.1 hitting some shots on their incredible golf course is not at all surprising, but the caption may well raise a few eyebrows considering the club's stance on traditional dress rules.

The caption reads, "When the world's No.1 golfer pops out for a few holes on a beautiful evening at the West Links... relaxing, chilling out and having fun ahead of the Scottish Open. Great to see you at North Berwick, Scottie Scheffler".

If you compare that to the visitor section of the North Berwick Golf Club website, which details information about their dress code, there is quite a contrast in the messaging.

"On the course: An acceptable standard of golfing attire should be worn. Jeans, track suits, cargo shorts, t-shirts and similar are not permitted".

Some criticism has been shared regarding the inconsistency in standards, questioning whether the World No.1 has received preferential treatment as the average visitor would not be allowed to play in clothing of that style.

This comparison isn't intended to criticise North Berwick Golf Club, as I actually applaud their decision to embrace the World No.1's choice of casual attire and, perhaps more poignantly, share the content widely.

My stance has always been that traditional dress code rules are outdated and often hold the game back from attracting new participants - especially from the younger generation.

If you asked me what I would wear for a round at North Berwick, I would still opt for a polo shirt and a pullover - but that's because I like the look and comfort of golf-specific attire.

If, however, someone in the group with me or ahead of me was wearing a t-shirt and casual shorts, as Scottie Scheffler is in the video above, I wouldn't care one bit.

It's not impacting my enjoyment of the game, so if they are comfortable and technically able to perform well in that apparel, then I say go for it!

Golf Monthly's news editor, Elliott Heath, shared a similar view when discussing the matter with me on our internal work communications system.

"Yes I believe Scottie Scheffler's attire is perfectly acceptable and the fact that this is even a question makes a mockery of the sport. It's 2026 and the fact we are still debating over whether a golfer, who respects all of the rules and is the best player in the entire world, can play without a collar or tailored shorts with pockets is just ridiculous.

"If he is chopping up the fairways, not shouting 'fore' or taking six hours to get round with poor etiquette then we'd have a problem, but I feel it's time to move past golf's archaic dress code rules. His apparel is actually very modern, athletic and 'cool' and he is not impacting anyone else's day. Get over it."

Features editor at Golf Monthly, Nick Bonfield, added:

"If I were to list the things I care more about than Scottie Scheffler wearing 'casual' gear at North Berwick Golf Club, it would take me forever. While I am broadly in favour of some sort of dress code, what someone else chooses to wear is of little concern to me – how does it affect my life in any way?

"It's hardly as if Scheffler is a reprobate who is bringing the sport into disrepute with his despicable actions. If North Bewick had a problem with it, they would have stopped him from playing. And if they don't care, no one else should."

The fact that it's the World No.1 in this particular instance has upset a few people, who suggest that he should set a better example and help to protect the values of the game at one of its historic institutions - but I couldn't disagree more.

We have to step into the modern era at some point and this could be a huge leap forwards.

I wouldn't expect to see Scottie Scheffler teeing it up in a competition, like the Scottish Open, wearing such casual garments - but in a relaxed setting where the goal is enjoyment, socialising and practicing - why make it harder for people?

It's simple, at least in my eyes. Be professional in competition. You should respect the etiquette and dress code set out by tournament officials, which naturally align with traditional values of the game. That's fine.

Away from the competitive arena, let's embrace the fact that we live in a more casual world now. Less people wear suits to work, wearing a hat indoors is generally considered ok and almost everyone owns a pair of trainers.

Wearing a collarless shirt and comfortable shorts is not going to spell the end of the game as we know it, so shall we save the doomsday hysteria for another day? We have bigger problems to tackle in the game - like slow play, for example.

Scottie Scheffler is one of the closest examples we have to a proper professional and a good role model in the game, and I actually applaud him and North Berwick for challenging the norms that have shackled the game for too long.