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So, it’s your first time on the course - awesome. As those first-game jitters resonate through your system, you might be feeling a little worried about how you’ll perform. But before you even think about your game, it’s important to take some time to think about what to wear to a golf outing.
There’s a whole lot more to dressing up for the golf course than many first-timers are aware of. And aside from the fact that proper attire is often part of the golf course rules and regulations, wearing the right clothes can keep you comfortable and prepared for whatever the course might throw your way. So if you’re not quite sure as to the specifics of golfing attire, here’s what you need to know about what to wear golfing for the first time.
Here’s a piece of information for any well-meaning rookie - golf courses have dress codes. The objective of the dress code is to maintain an atmosphere of etiquette and class. After all, if golf courses would let people have their way, the whole place might end up looking like a tropical resort rather than a posh sport center.
But be warned - there are some high-end courses that are incredibly particular with what their players can and can’t wear. Some of the more fastidious courses require that players strictly comply with their ‘no black socks with shorts policy.’ Others may require players to wear only tailored shorts, prohibiting the use of any shorts that look anywhere near the cargo short design.
Before you take the invitation to head down to the course, it’s important to understand that just like any other sport that requires unique, specific attire, so too does golf. And it’s not to make things inconvenient for you - it’s all a part of the sport.
It helps guarantee the integrity of the course’s atmosphere. But more than that, it matters because it’s going to serve as your protection against the elements. The golf game will expose you to heat, sweat, humidity, mud, earth, rain, water, and more. So light, airy, breathable clothing that meets course guidelines should be a no-brainer.
As a general rule, you’ll want something simple yet functional, all while meeting the golf course’s dress code. While that tends to change from course to course, there are some golfing staples that you might want to consider.
A decent, plain colored or modestly patterned collared shirt should be perfect for the course. Light, breathable fabrics should be your best bet, since you will be sweating quite a lot. The Hanes Sport Men’s Cool DRI Performance Polo Shirt uses moisture-wicking material that keeps sweat stains at bay.
You should also be careful to choose a shirt with appropriate length, like the Lacoste Men’s Sport Shirt Ultra Dry Raglan Sleeve Polo Shirt. In general, golf shirts are designed to be longer than the average polo shirt so they stay neatly tucked in even after all the arm swinging.
If you prefer something with long sleeves for breezy days on the course, the Three Sixty Six Men’s Dry Fit Long Sleeve Polo Shirt should be a suitable choice. Just remember that for any men’s shirt to be qualified for the course, it should have a collar and look decent enough to match the sophisticated golfing atmosphere.
A good example of a suitable pair of golf shorts include the Haggar Cool 18 Pro Classic Fit Stretch Solid Pleat Shorts that tout classy, sophisticated tailoring ideal for the golf course vibe.
For chilly days on the course, pants can be an acceptable outfit choice. Similarly, light fabrics and tailored styles are the safest pick, keeping in mind the guidelines of the course. For instance, the IZOD Golf Swingflex Straight Fit Pants look the part, all while offering you unrestricted movement with its gentle stretch material.
For as stringent as clothing requirements can be on a course, you’d be surprised to know that most golf course management will be far more lenient with footwear. That’s because golf shoes in general tend to come in all shapes and sizes.
What they do require however is that you use a pair that won’t damage the meticulously maintained terrain. That means no metal cleats. If you need the extra grip, picks like the Adidas Tech Response Golf Shoes tout reliable treads that keep you grounded without uprooting the grass.
While the rules are explicit when it comes to belt choices, you should seek to use a belt that matches the overall aesthetic of the rest of your attire. That means decent, modest leather belts like the Nike G-flex Pebble Grain Leather Belt. If leather isn’t your thing, fabric or nylon belts like Under Armour’s Webbed Belt might be a more laid-back choice. Avoid anything too flamboyant, or belts with excessive hardware.
Sock colors depend on the golf course you’re visiting. Some stricter courses will require that players wear only white socks if they’re dressed in shorts, skirts, or skorts. To be on the safe side, choose a pair of soft, comfortable white socks similar to the Under Armour Adult Charged Cotton 2.0 No Show Socks.
If you’re wearing pants, you might be able to get away with modestly colored socks that match your bottoms. The Puma Men’s Crew Socks can be a suitable choice as long as you’re wearing pants to go with them.
Golf course management will often allow the use of hats regardless of weather conditions. Baseball cap style hats and visors are the most popular choice. But you’ll also often see what’s called ‘gatsby’ or ‘flat caps’ like the WETOO Flat Cap on more fashionable players.
Again, the rules for gloves are not explicitly stated, but the general idea of modest, plainly colored gloves with minimal design should be a no-brainer. To make sure you don’t get called out for your glove of choice, the Callaway OptiColor Leather Glove offers classic appeal that’s simplified yet stylish.
If you’re playing when it’s cold, a vest, jacket, or sweater should be a fine addition to your ensemble given that they aren’t too casual. A good example of a classy sport jacket would be the Chaps Men Classic Fit Full-Zip Microfiber Jacket.
For sunny conditions that might be too bright for comfort, a pair of sunglasses can offer sufficient defense. The Sungait Lightweight Polarized Sunglasses protect against UV rays and tout fashionable dimensions to boot.
Women’s golf attire guidelines are moderately different from men’s. Following these stipulations for casual golf attire for ladies should help prevent any unwanted confrontations on the course with personnel from the management.
Collared polo shirts are still the most popular choice for women. But women do have the option to wear a sleeveless shirt like the Callaway Women’s Golf Performance Piped Sleeve Polo Shirt for warmer days.
On some courses, women may also be permitted to wear turtleneck tops especially during colder conditions. The Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Mock layered with a vest can be a suitable choice for cool weather.
Shorts, skirts, and skorts are all acceptable, but must be a modest length. Above the knee is fine, but anything too short may call the attention of golf course personnel. Opt for something with a little more length, like the Adidas Golf Women’s 7” Shorts.
Pants and capris are also acceptable, given that they’re made of the right material. Cotton, linen, and khakis are all acceptable on a course. Tailored designs are also the best choice, so try to avoid options that are too casual like cargo shorts.
Can you wear sandals golfing? The short answer is no. Courses will require closed-toe footwear for both men and women. That means you should avoid flip flops, sandals, and heels. Boots and metal cleats are also strictly prohibited. A good example of a fashionable yet functional footwear design for golf is the Adidas Women W Tech Response Golf Shoe.
Wearing joggers to golf is allowed for both men and women as long as they’re made of the right type of fabric. Even athletic leggings are acceptable for women, as long as they’re thicker and of better quality than the average kind
Basic belts made of either leather, fabric, or nylon can be used on the course, but aren’t always required. The Jofit Firecracker Collection Reversible Fabric Golf and Sports Belt lets you switch between bright red and navy blue to match your mood and outfit.
For your socks, playing it safe with a white ankle length pair should be the easiest way to go. The ultra comfortable LAUREN Ralph Lauren Heel Tab Cushion Sole Low Cut Socks come in packs of three with two white pairs and a black pair for when you decide to wear pants.
To beef up your sun defense, the Wallaroo Hat Company Savannah Sun Visor can be a fashionable headgear choice. For something a little more toned down, there’s always the basic baseball cap design.
And finally, a basic, neutral colored glove should help maximize your swing without calling the attention of golf course management. The Bionic Womens ReliefGrip Golf Glove is both fashion-forward and discreet, making it an ideal outfit addition.
For those chilly days out on the course, a vest, windbreaker, or jacket will often be permitted by the management. A basic, well-tailored piece, like Columbia’s Benton Springs Classic Fit Full Zip Soft Fleece Jacket can be an acceptable selection. For sunny days, a pair of discreet sunglasses like the Nike Golf Unisex X2 Sunglasses should help keep your vision protected from glare.
To make doubly sure you know exactly what you can wear, you should also know what you can’t wear. These tend to change from course to course, but there are basic golfing attire guidelines that majority of sporting centers follow.
Bet you didn’t think there would be so many stipulations regarding the appropriate golf attire. While it might seem inconvenient, remember that it’s all part of the game. So if you really want to play like a pro, you best take these tips to figure out what to wear golfing for the first time.
