I don't have any plus fours!

Golf clothes choices for stylish golf courses

Remember those baggy plus fours in big loud checks that golfers in England used to be drawn wearing in cartoons? Relax, you really don't have to wear them! Can you wear any old thing to the course? Well you can... but perhaps you should choose to follow a standard dress code for golfers. 

What to wear to play golf

Although the primary concern for a golfer when picking out what to wear is comfort and functionality, golf etiquette, especially when members are playing on specific golf links, asks that golfers respect a golf dress code.

It is generally accepted that a golfer should have a nice appearance on public golf courses; and at private golf courses, following the standard dress code for golfers may be mandatory. Someone said, “A round of golf is no day at the beach, so you shouldn’t dress like it is.”  The message is clear, so here are a few things to consider when dressing for golf.

Golf Shoes

Although casual shoes are acceptable, they are not always functional on a golf course.  A golfer should choose a pair of golf shoes that are manufactured with soft spikes on the soles to improve their footing on the ground.  Today, golfers can choose between a classic wingtip on saddle shoes, white casual or tennis-style golf shoes, or in the Summer perhaps some golf sandals. 

Golfers should always wear cotton socks, and may want to keep an extra pair of socks inside his or her golf bag. A long round of golf in wet socks is uncomfortable.

Slacks and shorts

A pair of slacks, khakis or cotton blend pants are generally accepted.  Only a select few private courses do not allow golfers to wear shorts on the course, so a pair of Bermuda or walking shorts with pockets could be worn.  Wearing blue jeans on a golf course is generally considered “bad form” and jeans are not part of the standard dress code for golfers. 

Some players still choose to wear the classic style of knee-length knickers, but most golfers try not to make a spectacle of themselves with unusual clothing or with bold color designs. Smart casual dress is the standard dress code for golfers.

Shirts 

A cotton or wool-blend golf shirt is chosen by most golfers, and they can be long or short-sleeved, depending on the weather.  Golf shirts should offer the golfer both a sense of style and provide comfort when playing. Knitted shirts, rather than stiffer woven shirts, give the upper body more elasticity when twisting and are better able to stay tucked in. 

The standard dress code for golfers considers it “poor form” to wear t-shirts or tank tops, or to not keep your shirt neatly tucked into your pants on a golf course.

Hats and caps 

Most forms of headwear are acceptable on a golf course as long as they are not a distraction.  Many golfers choose to wear a baseball style cap , a visor or a straw hat.  In addition to choosing for style, a hat can protect the golfer’s head from being directly under the sun for four to five hours.  As a bonus, it is nice to have a hat on if it begins to rain, especially if you also wear glasses.

Accessories

A golfer may want to keep a rain jacket in his or her golf bag for rainy days, and perhaps also an umbrella. A light jacket is all that is needed unless the weather is very cold. 

A golfer should wear a golf glove, especially on the swing hand to prevent blisters and improve grip throughout the round. Keeping your hands warm also prevents stiffening and pain in the fingers.