It’s not a big deal for you guys in the US when the only options are wear ‘golf attire’ or there’s no dress code at all. Believe me, in the UK when you need to get changed out of your golf gear and put on a shirt and tie to go in the clubhouse after a round it’s a big deal.
Your exactly right. I would rather pass on the clubhouse experience at that point, and head home or to another establishment to quench my thirst.