Why does golf continue to have a dress code?

[raynorfan1]

For public - and especially municipal courses - I agree.

 

But in a traditional country club? We have to wear coat and tie in the clubhouse and whites on the tennis courts; why should golf exist without a dress code?

[elwhippy]

Our club has relaxed the code over the last few seasons but surprisingly we still find members turning up smartly attired. Tailored trousers and shorts, collarless shirts frowned up and cargo shorts a rare beast. In the clubhouse jeans, trainers etc are fine but despite a relaxation by the committee the standards have stayed the same. I have to add the demographic and social breakdown of the club has changed as well...more tradespeople and factory workers to boost the legal, medical and financial stalwarts and the club is a far more joined up place.

[armyhawk3342]

I'm pretty happy up here in nowhere Iowa there aren't many places with dress codes. 95% of the time I golf I wear gym shorts and a cutoff and it's amazing. I have a couple pairs of puma joggers and a few polos for when I go to Arizona over the winter or play the nicer courses with a dress code.

[rjp217]

Golf clothes are more comfortable than ever. Tossing on a dri-fit polo and shorts is no big deal in my opinion and I don’t think it should be for others..... Wow I sound like an old man.

[Chomper]

> @armyhawk3342 said:

> I'm pretty happy up here in nowhere Iowa there aren't many places with dress codes. 95% of the time I golf I wear gym shorts and a cutoff and it's amazing. I have a couple pairs of puma joggers and a few polos for when I go to Arizona over the winter or play the nicer courses with a dress code.

 

Not to sound like a snob, but if you showed up at my (AZ) course with joggers, chances are you would be buying a pair of pants or shorts before you hit the first tee.

[bigred90gt]

> @Chomper said:

> > @armyhawk3342 said:

> > I'm pretty happy up here in nowhere Iowa there aren't many places with dress codes. 95% of the time I golf I wear gym shorts and a cutoff and it's amazing. I have a couple pairs of puma joggers and a few polos for when I go to Arizona over the winter or play the nicer courses with a dress code.

>

> Not to sound like a snob, but if you showed up at my (AZ) course with joggers, chances are you would be buying a pair of pants or shorts before you hit the first tee.

 

I think any man that shows up anywhere other than their own couch in a pair of joggers should be tarred and feathered.

[justasgood]

Golf has a dress code because it is not cornhole........

[Bad9]

> @COmedic said:

> I recognize I was slightly elitist recently when I played with two obviously lower income guys a while back on my local city course. One wore a dirty t-shirt, the other a tank top. They had one bad set of clubs they were sharing. And they also were driving a cart while I was walking. The reason I believe in the simple modern-day golf dress code of a simple collared shirt is it also preserves the spirit of the rule book in general. Sure guys with a collar do cheat, **but likely at least know the rules and follow the general spirit**. I can spot from a mile away when guys are going to be obnoxious hackers who drink too much, hit 10 thin shots a hole, and impact the rounds that others are playing. I believe the dress code is the first step to preserving the game.

 

LOL. What a load of crap. Especially the bolded part.

[Warrior42111]

If a course has a dress code and enforces it, so be it, if a course doesn't or is lax in enforcement also so be it. If they allow someone to play should it really effect me or you in any way?

[Amps]

Said it before, but the idea that you go on a golf course dressed like you're going to a dinner dance is a nonsense. As someone who plays lots of different courses throughout the year, I have to take a full change of wardrobe with me to nearly every decent course. No shorts rule? Glad I put some trousers in the car. Socks have to be long socks. Glad I put some in the car. Socks can't have a pattern on them? Glad I brought a second pair with no pattern. Has to be a full collared shirt, no bladed collars? Glad I have another shirt in the car. Are they proper golf shoes? Glad i've got my phone and an internet connection so I can show you the manufacturers spiel about them and their performance on the course.

 

Glad the tide is slowly turning on this sort of stuff.

[bigred90gt]

> @Amps said:

> Said it before, but the idea that you go on a golf course dressed like you're going to a dinner dance is a nonsense. As someone who plays lots of different courses throughout the year, I have to take a full change of wardrobe with me to nearly every decent course. No shorts rule? Glad I put some trousers in the car. **Socks have to be long socks.** Glad I put some in the car. Socks can't have a pattern on them? Glad I brought a second pair with no pattern. Has to be a full collared shirt, no bladed collars? Glad I have another shirt in the car. Are they proper golf shoes? Glad i've got my phone and an internet connection so I can show you the manufacturers spiel about them and their performance on the course.

>

> Glad the tide is slowly turning on this sort of stuff.

 

So, the bold above, is this really a thing? I would just play somewhere else. I own long socks only to wear when I'm wearing my steel toes at work or with my dress shoes.

[North Butte]

> @bigred90gt said:

> > @Amps said:

> > Said it before, but the idea that you go on a golf course dressed like you're going to a dinner dance is a nonsense. As someone who plays lots of different courses throughout the year, I have to take a full change of wardrobe with me to nearly every decent course. No shorts rule? Glad I put some trousers in the car. **Socks have to be long socks.** Glad I put some in the car. Socks can't have a pattern on them? Glad I brought a second pair with no pattern. Has to be a full collared shirt, no bladed collars? Glad I have another shirt in the car. Are they proper golf shoes? Glad i've got my phone and an internet connection so I can show you the manufacturers spiel about them and their performance on the course.

> >

> > Glad the tide is slowly turning on this sort of stuff.

>

> So, the bold above, is this really a thing? I would just play somewhere else. I own long socks only to wear when I'm wearing my steel toes at work or with my dress shoes.

 

There are still a few rather snooty clubs in England, for instance, where shorts can only be worn if accompanied by above-the-knee socks of a specific color (usually white). Think officers' dress in old movies set during the Raj in India.

[davep043]

> @"North Butte" said:

> > @bigred90gt said:

> > > @Amps said:

> > > Said it before, but the idea that you go on a golf course dressed like you're going to a dinner dance is a nonsense. As someone who plays lots of different courses throughout the year, I have to take a full change of wardrobe with me to nearly every decent course. No shorts rule? Glad I put some trousers in the car. **Socks have to be long socks.** Glad I put some in the car. Socks can't have a pattern on them? Glad I brought a second pair with no pattern. Has to be a full collared shirt, no bladed collars? Glad I have another shirt in the car. Are they proper golf shoes? Glad i've got my phone and an internet connection so I can show you the manufacturers spiel about them and their performance on the course.

> > >

> > > Glad the tide is slowly turning on this sort of stuff.

> >

> > So, the bold above, is this really a thing? I would just play somewhere else. I own long socks only to wear when I'm wearing my steel toes at work or with my dress shoes.

>

> There are still a few rather snooty clubs in England, for instance, where shorts can only be worn if accompanied by above-the-knee socks of a specific color (usually white). Think officers' dress in old movies set during the Raj in India.

 

From the webpage for Sunningdale Golf Club:

>Tailored shorts may be worn at the Club provided they are worn with either plain coloured knee length socks or white socks which cover the ankle, (ankle socks are not permitted) .

I saw this requirement playing golf at a relatively "average" course in Australia, probably close to 30 years ago. It was no big deal, I bought a pair of proper socks, that to this day I have worn exactly once.

[KMeloney]

> There are still a few rather snooty clubs in England, for instance, where shorts can only be worn if accompanied by above-the-knee socks of a specific color (usually white). Think officers' dress in old movies set during the Raj in India.

 

ABOVE-the-knee socks? For men? I don't think I'm buying this.

 

To-the-knee, maybe. But I don't believe the over-the-knee thing.

[golfortennis]

I draw the line at a sock rule. Tailored Bermuda shorts and a collared shirt isn't too much to ask. I haven't paid more than $25 for a pair of shorts in I don't know how long, and there isn't a course in the world that allows shorts that would turn me away. The only shirts I have paid more than $25 are shirts I have bought at a course where the head pro has comped a round. Otherwise, comfortable dry-wicking material for a real good price. If the price of clothing is an issue, I think one needs to consider whether golf is the best use of their money.

 

What I can't help but think, though, is that those defending the wife-beater-cut-offs-wearing crowd here, would be just as derisive towards them as they are of the dress code supporters, in a different discussion about a different topic.

 

If someone doesn't want to follow a dress code, they could always build their own course.

[iNeedMoreGolf]

I dont know about anybody else but i would feel quite akward not wearing golf attire no matter wear i played. I mean we are not talking a suit and tie here. Just collared shirt and shorts or pants. Tucked in or out. I prefer in. It sounds wierd but i wouldnt feel like im playing golf if i wasnt wearing the right stuff. Each his own.

[armyhawk3342]

> @Chomper said:

> > @armyhawk3342 said:

> > I'm pretty happy up here in nowhere Iowa there aren't many places with dress codes. 95% of the time I golf I wear gym shorts and a cutoff and it's amazing. I have a couple pairs of puma joggers and a few polos for when I go to Arizona over the winter or play the nicer courses with a dress code.

>

> Not to sound like a snob, but if you showed up at my (AZ) course with joggers, chances are you would be buying a pair of pants or shorts before you hit the first tee.

 

No worries, poor sentence structure on my part. I only wear shorts when I go to Arizona as we walk some courses and well it's Arizona. I keep my joggers up here for when I play nicer courses in colder weather in the spring and fall. The only time I wear polos is when i'm in arizona.

[armyhawk3342]

> @bigred90gt said:

> > @Chomper said:

> > > @armyhawk3342 said:

> > > I'm pretty happy up here in nowhere Iowa there aren't many places with dress codes. 95% of the time I golf I wear gym shorts and a cutoff and it's amazing. I have a couple pairs of puma joggers and a few polos for when I go to Arizona over the winter or play the nicer courses with a dress code.

> >

> > Not to sound like a snob, but if you showed up at my (AZ) course with joggers, chances are you would be buying a pair of pants or shorts before you hit the first tee.

>

> I think any man that shows up anywhere other than their own couch in a pair of joggers should be tarred and feathered.

 

Aggressive....I still find it comical that people hate joggers so much. They are literally golf pants but with elastic in the ankle. I also wear high tops too in case you weren't offended enough.

[Amps]

The 'above the knee' description is an odd one, but what they want is a long sock that is then turned over at the top. Once turned over, it should still cover the calf, but not the knee. And, yes, this is still a thing at quite a few clubs I have played in Britain. What you will find, is that the pro shop has some of their regulation socks in stock, and, I shit you not, retailing for around £25 a pair.

 

As i've said, I hate that some place expect you to dress like you'r going down with the Titanic, but i can handle it if I know about it, I own all the appropriate Little Lord Fauntleroy gear, it's just that usually it's not well advertised, and when informed about it, I'm usually spoken down too like I'm something they have trod in. And also, the idea that you have to dress in 'smart' clothes or 'collared' shirts and then you're allowed to throw on a mesh baseball cap or a floppy bucket hat makes a mockery of the whole thing.

[davep043]

> @Amps said:

> As i've said, I hate that some place expect you to dress like you'r going down with the Titanic, but i can handle it if I know about it, .......it's just that usually it's not well advertised,

I don't claim to have played a whole lot in Great Britain, but every course I HAVE played includes a description of their dress code on their webpage, usually in the section aimed at Visitors.

 

[North Butte]

> @Amps said:

> The 'above the knee' description is an odd one, but what they want is a long sock that is then turned over at the top. Once turned over, it should still cover the calf, but not the knee. And, yes, this is still a thing at quite a few clubs I have played in Britain. What you will find, is that the pro shop has some of their regulation socks in stock, and, I **** you not, retailing for around £25 a pair.

 

That's what I was trying to refer to. I'd heard them called "knee socks" but it was my mistake to say over the knee. Although I'm pretty sure one guy I played with on one trip did have it covering his knees which was a very odd look.

[tbsbama]

Why a dress code, because it is a gentlemen’s game!!

[bigred90gt]

> @armyhawk3342 said:

> Aggressive....I still find it comical that people hate joggers so much. They are literally golf pants but with elastic in the ankle. I also wear high tops too in case you weren't offended enough.

 

I dont get offended, I just think they are a terrible look. High tops dont bother me either. I just think joggers and generally high water style pants that dont cover the ankle are a horrible trend that needs to die. And no, I'm not talking about having them so long they bunch up on top of the shoe, but proper fitting pants should cover your ankle, period.

 

I cannot for the life of me fathom how ANYBODY can possibly think this is a good look. It looks absolutely ridiculous.

 

[FaReal87]

> @bigred90gt said:

> > @armyhawk3342 said:

> > Aggressive....I still find it comical that people hate joggers so much. They are literally golf pants but with elastic in the ankle. I also wear high tops too in case you weren't offended enough.

>

> I dont get offended, I just think they are a terrible look. High tops dont bother me either. I just think joggers and generally high water style pants that dont cover the ankle are a horrible trend that needs to die. And no, I'm not talking about having them so long they bunch up on top of the shoe, but proper fitting pants should cover your ankle, period.

>

> I cannot for the life of me fathom how ANYBODY can possibly think this is a good look. It looks absolutely ridiculous.

>

>

 

He looked pretty damn good en route to his win at the Scandinavian Invitational ;)

[https://youtube.com/watch?v=PY06KbY1ql8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY06KbY1ql8 "https://youtube.com/watch?v=PY06KbY1ql8")

[bigred90gt]

> @FaReal87 said:

> > @bigred90gt said:

> > > @armyhawk3342 said:

> > > Aggressive....I still find it comical that people hate joggers so much. They are literally golf pants but with elastic in the ankle. I also wear high tops too in case you weren't offended enough.

> >

> > I dont get offended, I just think they are a terrible look. High tops dont bother me either. I just think joggers and generally high water style pants that dont cover the ankle are a horrible trend that needs to die. And no, I'm not talking about having them so long they bunch up on top of the shoe, but proper fitting pants should cover your ankle, period.

> >

> > I cannot for the life of me fathom how ANYBODY can possibly think this is a good look. It looks absolutely ridiculous.

> >

> >

>

> He looked pretty **** good en route to his win at the Scandinavian Invitational ;)

> [https://youtube.com/watch?v=PY06KbY1ql8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY06KbY1ql8 "https://youtube.com/watch?v=PY06KbY1ql8")

 

He may have played well (obviously) but he looks like a buffoon in the joggers.

 

[Amps]

Nearly all golf gear makes you look like you're special needs case.

[Laznasty]

> @Amps said:

> Nearly all golf gear makes you look like you're special needs case.

Clearly you're not looking in the right places for your clothing bub.

[smashdn]

> @Amps said:

> Nearly all golf gear makes you look like you're special needs case.

 

Slacks and polo shirt? Shorts and a polo?

 

I must look like one all the time because that is 90% of my wardrobe.

 

Those jogging pants are rough. Going ahead and shave your legs and put kilties on your shoes. You look like your wearing ladies capris.

[Zac1321]

a lot of people keep referencing wife beaters, cutoffs, cargo shorts workout gear and gym shorts as if theres some kind of epidemic where a majority of people are secretly wanting to wear this out on the course....

[pholway]

Golf attire these days is as comfortable as anything else. Especially in the colder months golf pants are the most comfortable. Plus I enjoy "scripting" my rounds. I wear shorts sneakers and t shirt to the range in most cases