Do Dress Codes bother you?

[1965]

Really? Aren't we past that?


It feels like an antiquated dress code that does not match up with times when people wear much different garb.

These statements caught my eye.

I hope we never "get past" dressing nice for golf and showing respect for the game and what it stands for.

Golf is without a doubt, different than all the other sports. It is a gentlemans game. And I hope it stays that way.

 

[golfisforfun]

These statements caught my eye.

I hope we never "get past" dressing nice for golf and showing respect for the game and what it stands for.

Golf is without a doubt, different than all the other sports. It is a gentlemans game. And I hope it stays that way.

So gentlemen can't wear jeans? Being a gentleman is about respect for other people, plain and simple. Being a gentleman is about respecting how other people dress.

 

[EaglevsFalcon]

These statements caught my eye.

I hope we never "get past" dressing nice for golf and showing respect for the game and what it stands for.

Golf is without a doubt, different than all the other sports. It is a gentlemans game. And I hope it stays that way.

What does being a gentleman mean though? In a classic golf sense, it was a British aristocratic term used to delineate the haves from the have nots and give them a reason to keep the people the aristocrats thought were beneath them away from the game. Is that the tradition we are upholding? If the game is going to grow again and shed its snobby, rich guy reputation, then these hallmarks of exclusivity need to go the way of the dodo bird. JMHO

 

[McRock]

My local course has no dress code. In high school, I often played in athletic/nylon shorts, shoes, no shirt. I was pretty awesome back then like that.

Now I'm probably the best dressed person on the course. But that's just me. Again, I'm pretty awesome like that. The only time I wasn't the best dressed on the course was when Icey showed up one day and played golf in his suit (no jacket though, I was disappointed).

My general thought is that the cheaper courses don't have much of a dress code. Here in Iowa, most courses don't care about jeans, or any dress code for that matter, in the colder months.

I have no issues with dress codes. The market will determine whether its a good idea for a course to have one. I don't like telling business what to do. Interesting sidebar, I wonder if a publicly owned (meaning municipal) golf course can actually tell golfers how to dress? That's a pretty good legal question right there.

~Rock

 

[Mulligan9111]

I think he's for the dress code. He said he doesn't understand the hostility towards a course for enforcing one. You may of read that wrong, or maybe I did.

Nope, looks like I misread it. My apologies!

I'm honestly not for or against dress codes. I had just read some posts about people leaving a course because they enforced the dress code and were upset about it, and I just didn't quite understand the need to be upset. I think it's on the golfer to know whether or not the course has a dress code policy, and if the golfer doesn't ask (or knowingly dresses in a way that violates the dress code), then they shouldn't be upset when the course enforces their policy and doesn't allow them to play.

In the end I guess my point is that I don't think this should even be an issue. There are courses all over the world that allow golfers to wear whatever they like. Just as there are courses that have strict dress codes. So there is something available for each type of golfer, why do some think that every course needs to have the same policy?

If there is a really nice course that you want to play and it has a dress code, then you have to suck it up and abide by it. Just as if there is a really nice course that has no dress code, the people who are stickler's for having certain attire must suck it up and not worry about what other's are wearing.

 

[1965]

So gentlemen can't wear jeans? Being a gentleman is about respect for other people, plain and simple. Being a gentleman is about respecting how other people dress.

No, Im noy saying jeans. I am speaking of people showing up in cut off shorts and tank tops, swigging Bud Light and acting like idiots. Here in the south, we get that kind of thing a lot. Courses with dress codes keep out the riff raff.
I like it that way.

Jeans and a decent shirt with a collar is fine with me. I wear slacks, because they are lighter and feel good to me. Plus I want to look nice.
But I have no problem with a nice pair of jeans.

Now if they have holes in the knees or something like that than no, they should not be allowed.

 

[JB]

The bigger question is why would anybody want to wear jeans to play golf? I am a firm believer in dressing for the position. Cost is a non-issue as one can get a full golf outfit that looks fine for less than $20 and have the Ben Hogan name on it, and have it made by Perry Ellis.

Golf, like most other things in life, has a set of rules. One could argue that the dress code is antiquated and to that I say, so is much of life and maybe some of the antiquated stuff is good for people. Still goes back to sometimes some of the experienced rules are good for life.

Someone above said "So a gentlemen cant wear jeans?" My answer is of course they can. Wearing the attire is not about you being a gentlemen, but about showing respect to the rest that are there and that paved the way for you to be there.

No different than going to a nicer restaurant and not wearing a tank top (as a man) or cut off jeans. Its a sign of respect to those that made it possible.

 

[rbarthle17]

I won't lie, I used to do a double take seeing someone in jeans of the golf course. That is because where I grew up playing nobody did that. It wasn't until I moved to Michigan that I first saw someone on the course in jeans. And it took me a while to not let that bother me. Not a good thing to admit about myself, but I let myself judge a book by it's cover. Now that I am more used to it, it does not bother me. It's not how I would choose to dress to play golf, but if the course allows denim, then who am I to have a problem with it? Conversely, if a course has a dress code then all players need to respect it.

 

[McRock]

No, Im noy saying jeans. I am speaking of people showing up in cut off shorts and tank tops, swigging Bud Light and acting like idiots. Here in the south, we get that kind of thing a lot. Courses with dress codes keep out the riff raff.

I don't wear jeans anymore, because I bought pants. Honestly, I feel like my swing is restricted in jeans. That aside, I'm more a miller lite guy. Is it any different if a well dressed person is on the course, swigging Miller Lite, acting like an idiot?

No different than going to a nicer restaurant and not wearing a tank top (as a man) or cut off jeans. Its a sign of respect to those that made it possible.

This actually makes a lot of sense to me. I've taken my wife to prom the last 2 years (she's a teacher, I just like to say that I too my wife to prom). Last year, within 30 minutes, every crazy kid was out there either with a tank top on, no shirt, or shirt completely unbuttoned.

This year, my wife was in charge of Prom, and I mentioned to her early on and reminded her about last years total clothing debacle. Well, needless to say, she quickly put the hammer down, telling everyone that they are keeping their shirt on. It's a formal event, their friends, families, relatives, paid for their tux rentals, they should at least look nice for a few hours. It's what the event requires of them, and its really not too much to ask.

Plus, there are girls there wearing dresses that cost more than my entire suit collection, who spent all day doing things to look pretty, and I do actually find it disrespectful for the boys to instantly turn into slobs.

Ok, that was really just kind of a side rant.

~Rock

 

[Ole Gray]

So gentlemen can't wear jeans? Being a gentleman is about respect for other people, plain and simple. Being a gentleman is about respecting how other people dress.

When I first came home from serving in the Army I worked at Macon Dodge selling cars. There was also a Mercedes Bentz dealer in the same lot. I never will forget the time this dude came in with wearing a flowery shirt, bell bottom jeans and no shoes wanting to looking at a Mercedes sports model. The older salesman who had exclusive rights to the Mercedes brand, told the guy he would show him some Dodge Darts instead. The guy said he didn't come in looking for a Dodge Dart. The old salesman frowned on it but showed him the sports car but then decided not to allow him to take it on a test drive. Bad mistake. The guy told him he just loss a sale and would go to Atlanta to purchase his car. It was Dickie Betts of the Allman Brothers band.

 

[Evok]

I try to not judge people or their class based on what they wear however sometimes, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck well then you know the rest. Perfect example are the two guys I ran into last year. Teeing off with cigarettes in their mouths, jean shorts covered in crud, nascar shirts and work boots. Now sure I gave them the benefit of the doubt until I encountered them multiple times while playing and had to walk away to avoid confrontation. They were absolute scum and their attire reflected that. Of course thats just one example and obviously not the case for everyone but ive yet to encounter anyone else who acted like that and were dressed nicely. Could be a coincidence but who knows. Once again I wont judge you until a have a reason but its not hard to look at least somewhat presentable

 

[Fourputt]

The bigger question is why would anybody want to wear jeans to play golf? I am a firm believer in dressing for the position. Cost is a non-issue as one can get a full golf outfit that looks fine for less than $20 and have the Ben Hogan name on it, and have it made by Perry Ellis.

Golf, like most other things in life, has a set of rules. One could argue that the dress code is antiquated and to that I say, so is much of life and maybe some of the antiquated stuff is good for people. Still goes back to sometimes some of the experienced rules are good for life.

Someone above said "So a gentlemen cant wear jeans?" My answer is of course they can. Wearing the attire is not about you being a gentlemen, but about showing respect to the rest that are there and that paved the way for you to be there.

No different than going to a nicer restaurant and not wearing a tank top (as a man) or cut off jeans. Its a sign of respect to those that made it possible.

Sure as long as you fit a fairly standard size. It's a lot harder for us "plus" size guys to find clothes that fit well, and it tends to be a lot pricier. I can find almost nothing on the rack at a typical department or discount store that fits me. Fortunately I have the internet for a resource, but again, if I don't happen to shop on the right day when a sale is running, or if I'm a bit late, I still have to take the leftovers or pay full price.

I'm not arguing that codes are wrong, only that there are places and situations where a more relaxed code makes more sense. I wouldn't wear jeans in Florida anytime (even in the dead of winter, Florida is too hot for me), but I prefer jeans when the wind blows across the plains from the north with clouds scudding across the sky and I'm out on an exposed course with no trees for shelter. Like I said above, different strokes.

If you buy the right fit, jeans are wonderfully comfy. I usually wear Wrangler relaxed fit, and they bend and flex and move just as freely as any long pants do. I can come home from the course and go to work in the yard or garden without worrying about changing.

 

[blugold]

I asked the owner of my home course about this, it isn't a shabby place mind you. Pretty darn nice course. His response, "We prefer collared shirts, but we won't kick somebody out for wearing t-shirts. Jeans are fine, it's a non issue. I have a tee sheet to keep full."

 

[Drumdog]

No jeans should be on a golf course.
Collared shirts should be worn on a golf course.

I STRONGLY support a dress code. It makes perfect sense to me.

I don't agree with the no jeans policy. I wear them in the early spring and late fall when it's cold outside when it's allowed.
When I do wear jeans, they are nice ones with no holes and such. I also always wear a collared shirt.
If I play a course that has the no denim policy and it's cold outside, then I wear some golf shorts and put my rain pants on over top.
Problem solved. If a course wants to implement a dress code, that is their right and I have no problem with it.

 

[Parshooter36]

I'm honestly not for or against dress codes. I had just read some posts about people leaving a course because they enforced the dress code and were upset about it, and I just didn't quite understand the need to be upset. I think it's on the golfer to know whether or not the course has a dress code policy, and if the golfer doesn't ask (or knowingly dresses in a way that violates the dress code), then they shouldn't be upset when the course enforces their policy and doesn't allow them to play.

In the end I guess my point is that I don't think this should even be an issue. There are courses all over the world that allow golfers to wear whatever they like. Just as there are courses that have strict dress codes. So there is something available for each type of golfer, why do some think that every course needs to have the same policy?

If there is a really nice course that you want to play and it has a dress code, then you have to suck it up and abide by it. Just as if there is a really nice course that has no dress code, the people who are stickler's for having certain attire must suck it up and not worry about what other's are wearing.

I think this is the best post in this thread, well said.

 

[greggdrews]

I have no issues with dress codes and actually like that some courses have them.

 

[IceyShanks]

No jeans should be on a golf course.
Collared shirts should be worn on a golf course.

I STRONGLY support a dress code. It makes perfect sense to me.

Well said buddy!

 

[#troy]

Overly casual dress codes bother me. A course here just reopend and has a 'come as you are' dress code now. Flip flops and tank tops are abundant. A little to lacks for me.

 

[GoldenBear67]

I usually play in a t-shirt and shorts I'm more comfortable dressed that way when golfing, now if I go to course with a dress code I have no problem following it but given a choice I will perfer my t-shirt and shorts, now my t-shirts are usually golf related Cobra, Nike, Callaway or team sports related.

 

[JB]

Sure as long as you fit a fairly standard size. It's a lot harder for us "plus" size guys to find clothes that fit well, and it tends to be a lot pricier. I can find almost nothing on the rack at a typical department or discount store that fits me. Fortunately I have the internet for a resource, but again, if I don't happen to shop on the right day when a sale is running, or if I'm a bit late, I still have to take the leftovers or pay full price.

I'm not arguing that codes are wrong, only that there are places and situations where a more relaxed code makes more sense. I wouldn't wear jeans in Florida anytime (even in the dead of winter, Florida is too hot for me), but I prefer jeans when the wind blows across the plains from the north with clouds scudding across the sky and I'm out on an exposed course with no trees for shelter. Like I said above, different strokes.

If you buy the right fit, jeans are wonderfully comfy. I usually wear Wrangler relaxed fit, and they bend and flex and move just as freely as any long pants do. I can come home from the course and go to work in the yard or garden without worrying about changing.

If someone cannot fit in the 4XL max that the brands make that I am speaking of, then they are going to be specialty shopping for their apparel regardless of what it is.

As a guy that is so stern on the rules, I find this interesting as so many of the rules of golf are antiquated and stuck up for.

 

[bulldog]

Nor would I and I know of no one who would.

Yes ya do, I'm comfortable in jeans in the summer. But if there's a dress code I'll abide by it

 

[Golf 'N Gator]

Dress good, play good, play good, pay good...........I always dress nice for skins! I also just feel better when I dress the part.

I still think it comes down to what part of the country you live in. In my area, jeans or jeans shorts is more less a no go, but most of the course's around here sell t-shirts and allow them as long as you wear a nice pair of shorts or slacks. I'm more less a shorts and collared shirt guy, but I'll wear my shirt un-tucked a lot of times at my home course where things are a little more relaxed, but at some of more up-scale course's in the area, you better tuck it in and denim is a no go.

I'm playing in an hour and it is cool here today, so I'll be in wind pants and a wind shirt which is totally acceptable.

 

[Fourputt]

If someone cannot fit in the 4XL max that the brands make that I am speaking of, then they are going to be specialty shopping for their apparel regardless of what it is.

As a guy that is so stern on the rules, I find this interesting as so many of the rules of golf are antiquated and stuck up for.

My point was that those sizes are rarely on the shelves, and when you get into some of the larger sizes, they don't even try to make them look halfway decent. I've bought and returned 44" and 46" waist shorts that fit like baggy capris as if they are made for some who's 7 feet tall, and I've got shorts in the same waist sizes that fit comfortably and look good. I have to find the good ones by trial and error, and they are never carried on the shelf in any but the big and tall stores, something in very short supply here.... like none.

Yes ya do, I'm comfortable in jeans in the summer. But if there's a dress code I'll abide by it

Most of the farmer types that I play with around here are the same way. They've been working the fields in jeans their whole lives in summer heat, so it doesn't bother them. I don't do heat well, so the more I can take off, the better - within reason of course.

 

[rollin]

Golf, like most other things in life, has a set of rules. One could argue that the dress code is antiquated and to that I say, so is much of life and maybe some of the antiquated stuff is good for people. Still goes back to sometimes some of the experienced rules are good for life.

. Wearing the attire is not about you being a gentlemen, but about showing respect to the rest that are there and that paved the way for you to be there.

No different than going to a nicer restaurant and not wearing a tank top (as a man) or cut off jeans. Its a sign of respect .

I would like to add to the above. I believe dressing a certain way goes much further than people think (especially the younger generations of today). I am only 50 and not from such an older generation but my values are older than I. People who know me well often say I should have been born in my parents era.

With that said, I believe dress codes do in fact lead to a certain amount of respect and also to some degree social behavior. whether or not its is necessary or right or wrong in golf I cant say for certain, but it is (or should be imo) necessary in many more things like it once was and much of it was not long ago at all.

There was a time when men wore ties on sunday just to be at the park putting thier kids on swings.
A time when people dressed nice when they visited relatives and/or friends houses, A
time when people dressed nice during holidays and events, a time men wore sport coats and ties at baseball games and boxing matches, etc...
There was a time not at all long ago (only talking 70,s and 80's) when athletes always wore dress clothes (suits) when being interviewed.
When people dressed nice at restaurants
When people dressed nice at religious services
When people dressed nice at appointments.
When you couldn't get into a casino without a sport coat. etc, etc, etc

All that stuff and so much more I can add may sound ridiculous to many of you especially younger crowds. But as it all started to go away I don't think its any coincidence that so did the general publics awareness and willingness for common courtesy, respectful behavior, and just plain good appreciation of ones surroundings as well as a feeling of belonging togetherness instead of what we have today. Which is a social environment that has somehow lost so much of all of that. Not that all people were nice then either. There were and always will be jerks. But the general public in todays society has very much imo lost a ton of these great traits. People use to be much more willing to help their neighbors and friends and families. Use to look forward to gatherings instead of the "chore" they became today. There was much more a sense of community and respect for others. Common courtesy and respect was far more in existence than they are today.

Imo (and I know younger folks will never quite understand what I mean here) but the lack of proper attire in just about any environment or social going-ons is (I believe) very much tied to the rest also faltering. I don't know which came first and will never know that. But I do believe there is no coincidence that attitudes and lack of social common courtesy's and respect have gone down hill along with how we present ourselves via dress.

People dressed like slobs and acting like idiots in restaurants, at social gatherings, public places etc, people's homes, and social events, etc, etc in such ways that would never been tolerated not all that long ago. Is the cause of it dress code? I cant say that, but it certainly has gone down hill along with it all.

So if a simple collared shirt has to be worn in order to create or maintain or preserve some sort of general respectful atmosphere, so be it. This doesn't mean your an idiot or a bad person if you don't. I just think society as a whole has lost a lot and attire is imo somehow part of it.

 

[jitzy]

If someone cannot fit in the 4XL max that the brands make that I am speaking of, then they are going to be specialty shopping for their apparel regardless of what it is.

As a guy that is so stern on the rules, I find this interesting as so many of the rules of golf are antiquated and stuck up for.

I wear a xxxl and 48 shorts and the Hogans have very quickly become some of my favorite golf clothes I've purchased. The quality is great and they always have great styles.