Golf Dress Code (What to Wear)
Also known as: golf dress code, what to wear golfing, what to wear to a golf course, golf attire, golf clothes, can I wear jeans golfing, do I need golf shoes, collared shirt golf
Wear a collared or golf-style shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes or clean trainers. Avoid jeans, gym shorts and vests unless the course says they are fine. Dress codes vary, so check the course website or call the pro shop before you go.
Many private clubs and some public courses have a written dress code. Common rules are a collar or mock neck, tailored trousers or shorts, and soft-spiked or spikeless shoes. Metal spikes are often not allowed. Some clubs also have rules for the clubhouse.
Public courses, driving ranges and simulator venues are often more relaxed. Still, comfortable clothes that let you turn freely help your swing. Golf shoes give grip on wet grass and slopes.
Dress for the weather in layers. Bring a waterproof jacket, a hat and sunscreen. A glove helps your grip, especially in heat or rain.
Tips by skill level
When in doubt, wear a polo shirt, smart trousers or shorts, and clean spikeless shoes.
Pick clothes that stretch. Tight shirts and trousers can limit your turn.
Example
A beginner books her first round at a private club. The website asks for collared shirts and no denim. She wears chinos, a polo and spikeless shoes, and fits right in.
Why it matters
Wearing the right clothes avoids being turned away. It also helps you swing freely and stay comfortable.
Common mistakes
- Turning up in jeans at a club with a dress code
- Wearing metal spikes where they are banned
- Not bringing layers for changing weather
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear jeans to play golf?
Many clubs ban denim, but some public courses allow it. Check the course's dress code before you go.
Do I need golf shoes for my first round?
Not always. Clean trainers with good grip work at many public courses. Golf shoes help on wet grass and slopes.
Related terms
- Golf EtiquetteGolf etiquette comes down to safety, pace and care of the course. Wait until the group ahead is out of range, shout 'fore' if your ball heads toward anyone, and keep up with the group in front. Repair ball marks, replace or fill divots and rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Playing Golf in the RainTo play well in the rain, keep your grips, gloves and hands dry. Take an extra club so you can hit a lower, controlled shot. On wet fairways the ball barely rolls, so plan to carry it to the target. Make a slightly shorter, balanced swing so your feet don't slip, and putt a little firmer on slow, wet greens.
- Playing Golf in Cold WeatherIn cold weather the ball flies shorter, so take more club than your summer yardages and expect fewer yards from every shot. Wear thin layers you can swing in, warm up properly before you start and keep your hands warm between shots. Swing smoothly instead of harder, and judge each landing area, because soft ground stops the ball sooner.
- Starting Golf as an AdultStart with a few lessons or a group class to learn grip, setup and solid contact. Practice at a range and short-game area, then play a par-3 or short course before a full 18. You do not need expensive clubs, since borrowed, used or half-set clubs are fine to begin.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into practice
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