What Is The Golf Dress Code?
There is no one golf dress code as the answer depends upon which club you visit, but there are some common themes as we explain...
![Golf dress code](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9SdnrtvJfCojaoHQXS6NqX-415-80.jpg)
There is no set or fixed golf dress code. A golf club’s dress code is whatever the club concerned decides. Some clubs are happy to have none, other can have some highly complicated regulations. However there is some broad consensus among those golf clubs which have chosen to have dress codes as to what is and is not acceptable.
If in doubt, wear chinos and a collared shirt. No club is going to object to that. Well not if the shirt is tucked into the trousers anyway, as some clubs have prohibitions on untucked shirts.
What is acceptable on the course and in the clubhouse can be different, too. If you have ever wondered what a spike bar is, this is a bar that players can go into straight off the course without having to change out of your spiked golf shoes.
Some clubs have a dress code for the clubhouse that changes at certain times of the day – in which case typically evenings have more restrictions. Clubs can also have different regulations for different rooms. Not only the spike bar is less regulated that the normal bar, but sometimes dress regulations are tighter for the dining room than the bar.
Shorts on the golf course are always a tricky subject. Well not so much the shorts themselves – most clubs require that they are tailored and long – but in the matter of the accompanying socks. Some clubs require long socks, so that the only bare bit of flesh left is a knee cap; others allow any type of socks; some only allow short socks if they are white.
I have always found it easier just not to play golf in shorts.
Golf trousers – well a variation on the chino is the most acceptable. Denim, is a no-no, cargo trousers – those with masses of handy bulky outside pockets – is also often proscribed.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Shoes for golf can be an issue. Trainers are out, as it has to be golf shoes at most courses. Although the modern golf shoe often looks so much like a pair of trainers it is hard often to work out what people are wearing. Spikes are another matter – many courses do not allow metal spikes on shoes as these leave spike marks on the green.
Remember when Tiger Woods, among others, used to play in tournaments in a roll-neck shirt? If you don’t, here is a picture to remind you.
Well what Tiger wears golf sells, so you could buy these shirts in pro shops, marketed as golf shirts. The only trouble was lots of courses wouldn’t actually let you wear them out on the course. Rather brilliantly, the pro shops at some of those courses which would not allow these shirts were some of those which stocked them.
With shirts the normal rule was that they have to have collars. But this is gradually being relaxed at some places to “clothing which has been designed to be worn on the golf course.” Which is kinda ironic given that golf is typically played by those wearing items called a polo shirt and a baseball cap.
As mentioned before, if in doubt go for a polo shirt and chinos or slacks – that will get you on any course anywhere. Oh except at those places which require all golfers to wear a red top...
Contributing Writer Roderick is the author of the critically acclaimed comic golf novel, Summer At Tangents. Golf courses and travel are Roderick’s particular interests. He writes travel articles and general features for the magazine, travel supplement and website. He also compiles the magazine's crossword. He is a member of Trevose Golf & Country Club and has played golf in around two dozen countries. Cricket is his other main sporting love. He is also the author of five non-fiction books, four of which are still in print: The Novel Life of PG Wodehouse; The Don: Beyond Boundaries; Wally Hammond: Gentleman & Player and England’s Greatest Post-War All Rounder.
-
Which LIV Golfers Played In The Tokyo 2020 Olympics
The men’s field of 60 featured 14 players who would later sign for LIV Golf – here are the details on who they are and how they performed
By Mike Hall Published
-
The 5 LIV Golfers In Contention For The $18m Individual Title
With tournaments running out, there are still a handful of players in contention for the $18m individual title - here are the details
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tiger Woods Didn't Break Par In A Single Major Round This Year... Where Does He Go From Here?
Tiger Woods' Major record for 2024 doesn't make for good reading, and as a big Tiger-fan, I worry about what comes next for this legend of the game...
By Barry Plummer Published
-
13 Of The Best Irish Golfers Of All Time
We take a look at the best golfers from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Rich Beem: True Grit Story Of The 2002 PGA Championship
Rich Beem endured some challenging years in his early career, but he came through and was rewarded for his perseverance with a remarkable victory over Tiger Woods in the 2002 PGA Championship.
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
'People Not Being Allowed To Play Golf Because They Have Ankle Socks On Or They Didn’t Tuck Their Shirt, That’s Crazy' - Sky Sports Broadcaster Inci Mehmet On The Rules Holding Back Golf
Sky Sports broadcaster Inci Mehmet answers a Quick 9 questions, from her best ever shot to her thoughts on encouraging the next generation
By Dan Parker Published
-
What Is Rickie Fowler's Net Worth?
Find out what former Players champion, Rickie Fowler, is worth here
By Matt Cradock Published
-
We Played The Toughest Three Holes At This Open Championship Venue…And It Wasn’t Pretty
Ahead of the 151st Open in July, Neil Tappin and Dan Parker head to Royal Liverpool Golf Club to play a match across three of its hardest holes
By Dan Parker Published
-
Annika Sorenstam's Historic Colonial Appearance - 20 Years On
20 years on from Annika Sorenstam's historic appearance at the 2003 Colonial, we look at how she helped shape the women's game
By Paul Higham Published
-
What Can We Expect From Tiger Woods At The Genesis Invitational?
We look ahead to Tiger Woods' hugely unexpected return to action this week at the iconic Riviera Country Club
By Mark Townsend Published