CLOTHING FOR YOUR GOLF OUTING

 

A debate has been raging for the last couple of decades about clothing for playing golf. There are thousands of golf club websites that spell out the attire that members need to follow when entering the course. Strong voices are accusing clubs of plain snobbery when it comes to the rules in place. They point out that celebrities wear jeans to glittering galas but cannot do so when coming onto golf courses. see more: https://topgolfgears.com/four-driving-secrets-you-cant-afford-to-ignore.html

In 2012 basketball icon Michael Jordan became another statistic of the debate when he played at a country club in Miami Beach Florida. Members objected to the shorts he dressed in and requested him to buy a proper pair from the club. Despite several objections, Jordan refused and insisted on playing further. The club commented that they would not invite Jordan back to play there.

Others point out that almost every sport has a dress code. It supports the decorum of the sport and acts as protection when necessary. Nobody plays basketball or football with flip-flops for obvious reasons. According to this view, the same rule for golf is appropriate. Fashion in sportswear changes over time. It remains an expression of the community’s views of what is proper and correct. An example of this is the much narrower legs for pants used by golfers these days.

Your views on this issue can be on either side of the debate but take note that for the moment the rules remain in place. In short, it says if you want to play golf, dress like a golfer. In more detail, the following applies:

Men – Slacks made of light cotton or polyester, or shorts made for playing golf coming to just above the knees. A shirt with a collar either an ordinary collar with a button at the neck or a mock turtleneck. No T-shirts, tank-tops, sleeveless or cut-off shirts. Jeans, cut-offs and dungarees are also prohibited. The clothes are best made of cotton or a similar material to absorb moisture as it can become hot and humid. Golf shoes nowadays come with metal or plastic spikes. Alternative shoes like sneakers and similar shoes are fine. They should provide protection and comfortable walking. No sandals or flip-flops are allowed. Head protection against the sun is usually in the form of a cap. On colder days a sweater is handy. As the day heats up simply place it in your golf bag. Consider a rain suit, sunscreen, and a towel part of your outfit for the day.

For ladies, the rules are quite similar. Slacks, shorts and skirts are all acceptable. Again T-shirts or cut-offs are taboo. Sleeveless tops for ladies though are an approved item. 

Remember that you want to be comfortable when playing. You also want to be free to play those long shots with a huge swing and your clothes should not get in the way. Your compliance with the rules leaves plenty of space to express your individuality.