Most golf clubs have required golf attire for men and women on the course and in the clubhouse and you may be able to view their specific dress code on their website. If not, use our list as a resource. Some of the Do’s and Don’ts may seem obvious but we’ve seen some questionable attire in our days on the course so we wanted to cover it ALL.
Tops/Shirts:
- Wear collared or polo-style shirts made of cotton, microfiber or polyester blends and tuck them into your bottoms. Same is true as a spectator or while dining. Most country clubs require collared shirts inside the clubhouse and dining area so dress accordingly.
- Ladies on hot days, sleeveless golf shirts are appropriate.
- Don’t wear an ill-fitting shirt. Your sleeves should be three-quarters of the way to your elbow. If you can’t see your elbow, it looks sloppy.
- Another sloppy look is an un-tucked shirt.
- Ladies don’t wear t-shirts, halters, tank tops, tube tops, or bathing suit tops and don’t show cleavage.
Outerwear:
- Layer for cooler days with sweaters, vests, collard button-down shirts, light jackets or windbreakers.
- If you layer a crewneck sweater over a sport shirt, keep the collar in for a trim clean look.
- Don’t layer with denim Jackets, sweatshirts, or hoodies.
- Don’t oversize. Outerwear and rainwear should be worn trim so it doesn’t get in the way of your swing.
Bottoms:
- Golf pants, shorts and skirts should be made from a fabric that allows your skin to breathe, wicks away moisture, and doesn’t restrict your movement.
- You can’t go wrong with the colors khaki, black or white but you can also have fun with color. Rule of thumb is if you’re wearing a bold bottom, wear a neutral shirt (and vice versa if wearing a bold shirt).
- If wearing pants, the bottom of the legs should kiss the top of your shoes.
- If wearing shorts, they should fall to just above your kneecaps.
- Ladies have more of variety with skirts, skorts and dresses. These should hit between mid thigh and the knee, no more then two inches above the knee. And it’s best if the skirt has shorts built into it.
- Don’t wear denim, cargo shorts, jeans, sweatpants, yoga pants or other athletic pants.
- Don’t wear either your pants or shorts too long; it’s sloppy.
- Don’t wear pants with cuffs or pleats (fashion faux pas – we’re here to help you look good)!
- If wearing shorts, don’t wear them too tight or short. (Ick).
- Ladies please no booty shorts or mini skirts. (Once again major fashion faux pas and also Icky).
Shoes:
- Wear golf shoes with hard rubber, plastic, or other non-metal (soft) spikes. (You can wear running shoes or sneakers with good grip if you don’t have golf shoes).
- Don’t wear metal spikes as they tear up the course.
- Don’t wear boots, street shoes, or sandals.
Accessories
- Choose golf socks that will absorb moisture away from your feet and ones that match your pants/shorts (however if you’re wearing black shoes, darker socks are more appropriate). Socks should come to your ankles and not rise above them.
- Wear a cool cap, visor, or straw hat, especially on sunny days.
- Wear sunglasses that are polarized to protect your eyes from damaging UVA/UVB exposure, while reducing glare.
- Wear simple jewelry and a golf glove to avoid blisters and callouses.
- Wear a belt (you have belt loops for a reason). Match your belt to your shirt or pants.
- Wear a good watch that is sweat proof and waterproof.
- Don’t wear cowboy hats, dressy fedoras, or beanies.
- Don’t wear long necklaces or dangly earrings that could get caught or tangled.
If in doubt of what attire is appropriate, call the country club ahead of time or check the club’s website for any minimal requirements. Shopping from a name brand golf apparel manufacturer is usually a safe bet to find what is appropriate on the course.
-S.O.
