Like any other sport, golf is filled with unique nuances and rules. Many things that may be considered normal off the course go against proper golf etiquette.
One of these gray areas has to do with the proper dress code on the golf course. For example, lots of folks may wonder if they can wear jeans to the golf course.
We answer that question and many others in this post that covers all things golf dress code.
Can You Wear Jeans to Golf?
As a general rule, no, you cannot play golf in jeans. While there may be a few golf courses out there that allow jeans, those places are few and far between.
If you show up in jeans for your tee time, an employee in the pro shop may ask you to either change your pants or leave. If you don’t have any proper golf pants or slacks with you, you’ll have to buy some from the pro shop. Needless to say, this will hurt both your wallet and your pride.
Jeans just aren’t considered appropriate golf attire, so they should be avoided. You may be able to get away with jeans on the driving range, but we wouldn’t advise that either. Denim doesn’t allow your knees and legs the freedom to bend and flex as they need to in a proper golf swing.
Typical Dress Code to Play Golf
So, now that we’ve established that jeans aren’t accepted on the golf course, you may be left wondering what you can wear. In this section, we’ll list the specific dress code for both men and women on the golf course.
Men
To play golf, guys should opt for golf shirts or other types of polo shirts. Most courses require all patrons to wear a collared shirt, so keep that in mind before you head out the door for your tee time.
Gentlemen can choose between golf pants or golf shorts for their bottoms. A baseball cap or visor is also acceptable and can come in handy on a sunny day. Choosing to go without a cap is also okay.
If it’s fall or winter, find a nice-looking sweater or windbreaker to wear on the course. Both of these options will keep you warm and can be easily removed when the temperature warms up.
Sunglasses are also a good idea to keep on hand. They can shield your eyes from the sun’s glaring rays and help you to remain focused. However, I prefer not to wear sunglasses while playing golf because I feel it changes my depth perception too much.
Golf shoes must be worn at all times on the course. These are designed to help golfers turn easier during the golf swing. Keep in mind that most golf courses no longer allow golf shoes with metal spikes, so opt for plastic ones or the spikeless variety.
As far as other clothing accessories are concerned, make sure you wear a belt if your pants or shorts have belt loops. A lot of golf courses don’t allow folks to wear their shirts untucked. You don’t want to look silly with your shirt tucked in and belt loops showing with no belt.
Women
The dress code for women golfers is similar to the men’s. Things get a bit confusing when it comes to top choices, though, so ladies should check the course dress code they are playing that day. If you’re in doubt, simply call the pro shop or visit the course website.
Some courses allow women golfers to wear shirts with no collar, as long as the shirt has sleeves. However, if the shirt is sleeveless, it has to have a collar. For ladies, it’s probably best to opt for collared shirts or blouses since they are deemed proper golf clothes at every course.
If the temperature is a bit on the chilly side, women golfers should wear a sweater or light jacket. Most golf apparel companies offer good winter clothing options that are lightweight and won’t restrict any type of movement.
As for the bottoms, women golfers have lots of options. They can choose between golf pants, trousers, slacks, shorts, and skirts. Ladies can also opt for a skort, which is a combination between shorts and a skirt.
Like men, women golfers should also wear golf shoes on the course. While regular tennis shoes or sneakers are permitted, most folks find that golf shoes are just easier to swing in. Socks aren’t required, but not wearing them could result in some nasty blisters.
Things to Not Wear to Golf
Nobody likes showing up to anything wearing the wrong attire. Now that you know what proper golf clothes are, here are some things to avoid wearing to the golf course. Reading over this list and adhering to it can save you some money and embarrassment.
Men
Golf is known as a gentlemen’s game. Because of that, guys have to be careful what they wear for their tee times. Men should never show up in a t-shirt, blue jeans, cargo shorts, athletic shorts, or flip-flops.
While that type of attire may be perfect for a day at the beach or lounging around the house, it’s not acceptable for a day on the golf course. Guys also shouldn’t show up in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Even in extremely cold weather, neither of these articles of clothing will be permitted while golfing.
Women
The unacceptable attire list for women golfers is almost the same as for men. Ladies shouldn’t show up in tank tops, halters, sandals, or any type of denim. They should also avoid sweatpants and sweatshirts, even in cooler temperatures.
Women golfers also shouldn’t wear cargos or any other shorts that are super short. While most jackets are permitted in the winter, ladies should make sure that the one they choose isn’t too bulky. The last thing you want is to wear anything that will inhibit your natural golf swing.
Mike Noblin
Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.