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Golf

What About Golf and Country Club Dress Codes?

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Golf

Unlike sports such as football and basketball which are played by the masses, golf has a reputation as a rather snooty sport enjoyed primarily by the upper-class. While this isn’t true, there are certain practices associated with golf that help maintain its distinguished image. First of all, golf can only be played on specially designed and maintained golf courses, and these aren’t always readily available. There are also numerous costs associated with playing golf, such as club membership fees, equipment costs and apparel costs.

The upscale image associated with golf is also due in part to the dress worn by players. In fact, many golf courses have a dress code to ensure that players meet certain dress requirements. If you are new to the golf course scene, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding golf dress codes.

First, not all golf courses have a dress code. If you are headed to a municipal golf course (one owned and operated by a town or city), there probably will not be dress requirements. T-shirts and shorts will be acceptable on the course, though going shirtless or dressing in swimwear is probably not a smart idea. For private courses, there generally is a dress code. The more upscale and expensive the course, the stricter the dress code will be.

For the largest percentage of courses, a collared shirt and Dockers-style shorts will be the standard golfing ensemble. Modest skirts are also acceptable for ladies. Many will allow denim shorts, but a smaller percentage will have a no-denim policy. It’s a safe bet that those who show up in t-shirts, tank tops, cut-off shorts, short shorts (more than 4 inches above the knee), sweatshirts and casual athletic wear will not be allowed on the course. The most exclusive, upscale golf courses will have a no-shorts policy, so be sure to check with your respective course prior to tee time.

The centerpiece for most country clubs is a beautiful golf course, so a country club dress code generally follows the golf course dress code. During the day, patrons will be welcome to wear in the clubhouse whatever they would wear on the golf course, such as a collared shirt, shorts, skirt or slacks. For daytime events such as brunches, lunches or dinners prior to 7:00PM, semi-casual attire should be worn. This would include an informal dress, blouse, knee-length skirt or slacks for ladies, and a button-down shirt and slacks with an optional sport coat for men.

For dinners after 7:00PM or similar evening events, a nice dress or slacks with coordinating accessories should be worn by ladies. Men would be considered well-dressed in a sport coat, dress shirt and slacks. A tie is optional.

In general, dress for a golf course should always be tasteful and modest. Golf courses and country clubs frequently host special events, so if you will be in attendance at a special gala or other event, check beforehand with your club’s concierge to confirm the dress requirements.

Golf

What to Wear When Playing Golf – Fashion Tips and Dress Codes

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Golf

What you wear to a golf course depends a lot on what kind of course you are visiting, what the event is and how you personally like to express your taste in golf attire. There are those who love to express an ironic style by wearing clashing fabrics and brightly-colored plaid pants reminiscent of the gold pants that were in style decades ago. However, there are many other ways to express yourself as a golfer.

The Dress Code

Many golf courses have a specific dress code for their course. The more expensive the golf course is, the more likely they are to have a strict dress code. Most courses, no matter how inexpensive, will require a shirt to be worn. But from there, the codes get stricter. If you have never played at a specific course before, call ahead to find out about what type of clothing is expected. If you are not able to call ahead, avoid wearing shorts and jeans just in case the course has a problem with those items.

If you are playing at a very exclusive golf course, you can be assured that the course will likely not allow jeans and it may not allow t-shirts or shorts. Many upscale golf courses require their players to play in a shirt with a collar and a pair of slacks or a skirt. There are also golf dresses that have started getting some attention from golfers, though these may not be allowed at all golf courses.

Casual Golf Wear

For the most part, golf clothing should be comfortable and casual. A pair of cool, thin slacks or golf shorts and a polo shirt is generally what most people wear to golf in most of the time. Municipal courses often see more people wearing jeans, but jeans can be uncomfortable on hot spring and summer days. Jeans are thick and tend to hold moisture close to the skin. To avoid this discomfort, wear a thinner style of pants or shorts that fit loosely enough not to cling to your legs. Choose classic colors like navy blue, khaki and white to fit in on most courses.

Overall, most golfers tend toward a preppy look when playing. If you are playing in chilly weather, consider a beige or navy sweater worn over a white button-up shirt. A sweater vest may also be worn for a classic golfer look.

Shoes

There are several kinds of golf shoes available, but one type is often not allowed on golf courses. Golf shoes were once expected to have metal spikes on the bottom for traction, but it was found that these were extremely hard on the course itself. Most courses no longer allow this type of golf shoe to be worn. Most new golf shoes don’t have these because they are so frowned on, so always wear the newer styles of golf shoes. These shoes have rough bottoms to add to a player’s stability, but they won’t tear up the green the way that spikes will.