Should Golf Clubs Have Dress Codes?
Two GM contributors argue for and against dress codes - which side are you on?
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

Two GM contributors argue for and against dress codes - which side are you on?
Should Golf Clubs Have Dress Codes?
Jeremy Ellwood says YES
Before I get too far into this thorny subject, let me say that if the question had been “should clubs have outdated dress codes” I would have been fighting Fergus for the ‘no’ side.
I wouldn’t go to any club out of choice that still insisted on jacket and tie in the clubhouse all day, for example (and there are still a few!).
But that’s not to say there shouldn’t be some defining line, even if it’s merely that your shirt should either be collared or a purposely designed golf shirt, or any short socks should be ankle socks rather than those tiny invisible ones you see so often these days.
I believe the vast majority of golfers turn up in the very gear that is golf’s typical dress code anyway, whether written or unwritten, and at most clubs it’s hardly an onerous task to comply unless your wardrobe consists only of ripped jeans and vests.
Most clubs make their dress codes abundantly clear on their websites, so if you choose to turn up in something that doesn’t meet those requirements and then plaster messages all over social media about the unfairness of it all, I’m afraid that reflects more badly on you than that club.
You have a choice as to where you play.
And let’s not forget that some dress code requirements are for practical reasons.
If a club politely requests that you change out of the clothes you’ve just played in before entering the bar, that’s partly out of courtesy to others, especially on the sultriest of golfing days or when every garment you’re wearing is soaked through.
In 95% of cases, I really don’t think dress codes are worth getting too hot under the collar about, even if it’s a collar you are obliged to wear.
Expand The Future Of Golf Club Membership
The Future Of Golf Club Membership
Roderick Easdale speaks to a host of different…
Expand Golf Club Membership In England On The Rise
Golf Club Membership In England On The Rise
England Golf's latest membership survey results are out…
Expand Are Golf Club Memberships Value For Money?
Are Golf Club Memberships Value For Money?
A thread on the Golf Monthly Forum got…
Expand Best Golf Drivers
Your ultimate guide to the best drivers you…
Fergus Bisset says NO
One of the main things turning young people off golf is the number of things they feel they can’t do... “can’t use your phone in here,”… “can’t play off those tees,”… “can’t use that locker room,” … and perhaps the most backward-thinking and restrictive of them all… “you can’t wear that”.
The dress code is a throwback to a time of prejudice and intolerance; it’s symbolic of a deep-rooted snobbery and small-mindedness within golf that must be eradicated if the game is to survive.
What are the old-school members who cling determinedly to a dress code afraid of?
Do they suddenly think the course will be invaded by hordes of lads in muscle-tops and girls in high heels?... Of course it won’t.
Apart from a very few exceptions, people dress appropriately for whatever activity they are undertaking.
For golf, they will mainly choose golfing attire and, if they don’t have anything so specific, they will choose comfortable and robust clothing suitable for four hours of outdoor walking.
Who cares if the trousers they select are made of denim? Who cares if the shirt they wear doesn’t have a collar? What difference will it make to anybody else’s enjoyment of their day at the golf club?
Anybody who says it will lessen their own golfing experience needs to have a serious think about how their personal principles are organised.
Dress codes are subjective. What one person views as smart and conforming, another may see as old-fashioned and excluding.
Times and fashions change, and golf must be able to move seamlessly with them. Dress codes are prohibitive to that.
We need our sport to become more about what you can do rather than what you can’t, and removing unnecessary dress codes is a step in the right direction.
Which side of the argument are you on? Let us know your thoughts on our social media channels
Elliott Heath is our Senior Staff Writer and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news, features, courses and travel sections as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Elliott has interviewed some huge names in the golf world including Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Bernd Wiesberger and Scotty Cameron as well as a number of professionals on the DP World and PGA Tours. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as four Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays at West Byfleet Golf Club in Surrey, where his handicap index floats anywhere between 2-6. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: TaylorMade SIM2 Max
Hybrid: TaylorMade SIM Max
Irons: Mizuno MP5 4-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
-
AT&T National Pebble Beach Pro-Am Picks and Predictions: Look for Erik Van Rooyen, Will Gordon to Find Success
AT&T National Pebble Beach Pro-Am early picks and predictions. The PGA Tour hosts a Pro-Am event held at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links. Golf handicapper Andy Lack is here to break down the tournament and give us his early picks.
By Andy Lack • Published
-
Rumored LIV Signing Commits To Yet Another Asian Tour Event
Mito Pereira will play the Asian Tour's International Series Oman alongside a host of LIV Golf players
By Mike Hall • Published
-
When Byron Nelson Was Golf’s Winning Machine
Byron Nelson enjoyed phenomenal golfing success in a relatively brief career. Between 1935 and 1946 he won 50 tournaments including 18 in a single season
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
Golf’s Forgotten Major Winners
Today's Major champions are set for life, they enjoy sustained worldwide fame. It hasn't always been the case. Here we consider some of the forgotten men.
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
Should I Buy New Golf Shoes For Winter?
We highlight some of the reasons why a new pair for winter could be worth the money
By Joel Tadman • Published
-
7 Ways To Modify Your Golf Gear For Winter
Here, we highlight the seven ways to modify your golf gear for winter that could help lower your scores
By Joel Tadman • Last updated
-
How To Clean Golf Clubs And Grips
If you want to know how to clean golf clubs and grips, check out this step-by-step guide
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
How Long Must A Hole-In-One Be To Count?
Is there a minimum length? Are there circumstances where you might have to accept that your ace wasn’t the real deal?
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
10 Of The Best Feelings In Golf
These are just some of the reasons we keep coming back to this often testing game.
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
Best Short Game Players Of All Time
A look at eight players who've displayed a level of genius around the greens, wielding a wedge like a magic wand.
By Fergus Bisset • Last updated