Believe it or not, there are still plenty of private and public golf courses that require a golfing dress code. However not all courses will, and those that do don’t often enforce them. A golf courses dress code can be strictly enforced depending on the policies of the course that you’re playing on. However, how expensive or affordable a particular golf course is to play on can be a great indicator of dress code standards. Basically, the higher the cost of playing on the green, more likely that you’ll be expected to dress in a certain manner.
Many courses these days do not enforce a strict golfing dress code, however, some rules will apply concerning what is and isn’t acceptable. Most courses will require players to wear soft-spiked or spikeless golf shoes. Metal spiked shoes are usually not allowed since they tear up the turf. Additionally, a player should wear a collared shirt and slacks. There are several public courses that may not even have a dress code in place at all, while private, higher-priced courses will generally have the strictest dress codes. In order to avoid any embarrassment on the course, make sure you call ahead or visit the course’s website to determine what type of apparel is acceptable.
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Golf Course Standards
You’ve been practicing the proper driving fundamentals and using the best iron for beginners, and you’ve put a lot of hard work into improving your long and short game, and now, you’re feeling confident about playing at popular local golf courses. Equipped with the coveted Cobra 2018 King Utility One Length Iron Black 2i3i you’re ready to show your skills off out on the green. But if you’ve decided to go from playing on a public golf course to a private one, then you’ll need to take into consideration what type of shoes and clothing you should wear in order to meet a particular course’s dress code standards.
As I mentioned, a course may or may not enforce a dress code. For the most part, wearing a collared shirt and a pair of khaki pants is a safe choice. Many public golf courses also allow you to wear denim jeans or shorts.
Upscale golf courses often have a no denim rule in place and often require all players to wear a collared shirt. Often times, private luxury courses will have the strictest dress codes. These are the courses that will not even permit their players to wear shorts, requiring their golfers to wear appropriate golf slacks instead. Keep in mind this isn’t the standard for every golf course out there. There are many public courses that will allow their players to dress in total comfort, which means they can wear tank tops, shorts, denim jeans, or appropriate clothing for the weather.
It’s also important to note that even some high-priced golf courses are starting to become more relaxed on their dress codes, in order to appeal to more players in the area. These days, a stricter dress code is not quite as common as it used to be, however you will come across private golf courses that will enforce their dress code and require a player to change if they are not dressed appropriately. Of course, you’ll want to avoid this type of embarrassment, which is why I recommend calling a golf course ahead of time in order to get the inside scoop on the type of clothing that’s allowed and what type of clothing is frowned upon.
Common Dress Code Rules
So, how are you supposed to know the right clothes to wear and which closed you want to avoid? As I mentioned earlier if you’re playing on a new course and you’re not sure what type of dress code is acceptable make sure you call ahead of time. Don’t show up only to be turned away if you’re not wearing the right clothing. Planning ahead will allow you to prepare for your upcoming game and purchase the right type of gear. It can also help you to determine whether it’s even a course that you want to play on, especially if you have to buy a new wardrobe just to get in a round of golf. However, there are those beautiful courses out there that every player dreams of playing on, and in these cases buying a new pair of pants and a collared shirt can be worth every penny.
Don’t Follow the Pros
Additionally, just because you’ve seen your favorite pro on the green wearing a certain type of outfit does not necessarily mean that the same type of clothing will be appropriate for the golf course in your area. In many cases, the rules are bent for professional players. So keep this in mind when you’re shopping.
Golf Shoe Restrictions
In most cases, you’ll find that most golf courses no longer allow the use of golf shoes with metal spikes. This is typically one of the dress code policies that are often strictly enforced. So before you head out, be sure to wear shoes that are equipped with soft spikes and not the metal spikes that were so popular five or six years ago.
The Right Apparel
Remember, if you’re not sure whether or not a course has a strict dress code policy wearing a pair of khaki pants and a collared shirt is usually a pretty safe bet. Clearly, It’s always important to call ahead of time, or visit a golf course’s website for more information on what is and what isn’t acceptable.
If you want to spend more time and care concerning what to wear on the course for your first time then you can shop around online and visit many major golf apparel retailers. This will give you a better idea of the current trends in addition to giving you more options in terms of what you can wear. It will also give you the opportunity to become more familiar with important name brands, while also giving you a better idea of what you can expect in terms of price.
What Not to Wear
When you’re shopping for your first outfit for the course, stick with a collared shirt in neutral colors. Avoid wearing sports jerseys or plain t-shirts.
Most courses will allow you to choose between wearing slacks or shorts. However, the shorts should be made out of a type of khaki material. Avoid wearing basketball shorts or any type of shorts that have drawstrings. Another great option is choosing slacks or shorts that are designed specifically for higher temperatures. This means choosing clothing was made out of highly breathable material and avoiding any type of clothing that’s made out of cotton or polyester.
Color Options
You’re probably familiar with the stereotype golfers dressing in loud colors and fabrics. If you want to err on the side of caution make sure you stick with safer colors such as tan, gray, khaki, and cream. Pink or white are acceptable colors as well, but they tend to make you stand out on the golf course.
When choosing pants or shorts avoid choosing white, avoid choosing shorts that are ¾ length. Never wear pants or shorts with drawstrings. And whatever you do, never show up on any course wearing a pair of sweatpants.
A Rundown on Shoes
I mentioned earlier metal spikes golf shoes of the past are no longer acceptable on the course. These are the shoes that will tear up the turf, which is why many golf courses no longer allow them on the green.
There are two different types of shoes that are now acceptable. Soft spiked shoes have now replaced the spiked shoes of the past. These shoes have spikes that are made out of rubber or plastic and they’re specifically designed to prevent tearing up the green. Spikeless shoes are also another great option. The soles of your shoes will have very small rubber studs that are perfect for people who are looking for a more comfortable option when playing a round of golf. These shoes are more comfortable and have a more casual look compared to soft-spiked shoes. In fact, they look similar to a standard pair of sneakers.
When you’re shopping for shoes make sure you avoid sandals, flip-flops, and trainers.
Other Accessories
If you have shorts or pants that have that belt loops make sure you always wear a belt.
If you need some protection against the sun there are also appropriate golf hats you can choose. Baseball caps are perfectly acceptable and they’re probably the most commonly seen type of hat that the pros use. Visors are also a great choice if you’re trying to protect your face from the sun but you don’t want to get stuck with hat hair. The bucket hat is a very common choice these days and it provides better protection from the sun. Wearing wide brim hats is a good indicator that you’re new to the game, so if you don’t want to be marked as a beginner, I would avoid this fashion choice.
On the course never wear your cap backward and always take it off when you enter a course’s bar or the clubhouse.
Gloves
You won’t find any shortage of golf gloves to choose from online or at a local golf club retailer. But the key to finding the perfect pair of gloves is to keep in mind that you need to pay close attention to the size and how they feel. The wrong size of gloves can hinder your performance.
If you’re a right-handed player then you need to wear a glove on your left hand, while a left-handed player will wear a glove on the right hand. You only need to wear one glove at a time, however, if you want to look like a newbie then you can wear both gloves at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Remember, not every course will enforce a golfing dress code. However, many courses will have some restrictions in place. But if you want to ensure you’re wearing the right gear and want to avoid embarrassment on the course make sure you call ahead of time or visit the golf course’s website for more information concerning what is and what isn’t acceptable apparel.
