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Do Dress Codes bother you?

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rollin said:
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.
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I'm 18 years older than you and even I think that it sounds a bit ridiculous. If you really observe any of those points, then you are a living anachronism. When I see film clips from old ball games with the guys all wearing ties, I can only think of how horribly uncomfortable that would be.

However, my feelings on it are heavily influenced by the fact that I've lived in the wild west since my senior year in high school. We haven't been civilized for as long as you Easterners have. Denim is the standard out here for work and casual wear. I consider golf to be a casual activity, therefore, I don't see anything wrong with casually wearing jeans when I play. I don't see anything wrong with wearing jeans to an average restaurant. I don't own a suit. I have one tie and one sport coat, and they get worn so rarely that I have to check ahead of time to be sure that the jacket still fits if I'm going to someplace where I will need them.
 
Personally I have played at both types of courses, and I can say I could care less! Who cares how you dress?!?!?!? I personally usually wear a polo and either golf shorts or pants this year ( last year just wore jeans since I hadn't bought any pants yet) But i could care less if you come to the course in gym shorts and a beater, all that should matter is your attitude. If you are respecting other golfers and acting with etiquette who cares what you are wearing. Hell after reading through some of the comments, guess i possibly have pissed a few off a few people at different times last year, lol. All I wore last year was jeans. If i am comfortable in what I am wearing to play then what does it matter. I personally totally disagree with dress codes. I mean dont get me wrong I have no problem following a dress code if the course has one, I just persoanlly dont think there really should be one, especially at public courses.
 
musicmaster6921 said:
Personally I have played at both types of courses, and I can say I could care less! Who cares how you dress?!?!?!? I personally usually wear a polo and either golf shorts or pants this year ( last year just wore jeans since I hadn't bought any pants yet) But i could care less if you come to the course in gym shorts and a beater, all that should matter is your attitude. If you are respecting other golfers and acting with etiquette who cares what you are wearing. Hell after reading through some of the comments, guess i possibly have pissed a few off a few people at different times last year, lol. All I wore last year was jeans. If i am comfortable in what I am wearing to play then what does it matter. I personally totally disagree with dress codes. I mean dont get me wrong I have no problem following a dress code if the course has one, I just persoanlly dont think there really should be one, especially at public courses.
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You should wear jean shorts and a tank top to work. :D
 
The dress code that is the strangest is the unwritten (?) rule that the PGA guys wear long pants all the time. I'm a believer in function over fashion. If you are somehow more comfortable in jeans and a cotton t-shirt on the course then go ahead. If I had to wear jeans and a cotton t-shirt on the course it would bother me as I would find that physically uncomfortable. If I were to impose my own sense of fashion on the golfing public I would first ban white pants followed by white belts and flat brim hats.
 
Fourputt said:
I'm 18 years older than you and even I think that it sounds a bit ridiculous. If you really observe any of those points, then you are a living anachronism. When I see film clips from old ball games with the guys all wearing ties, I can only think of how horribly uncomfortable that would be.

However, my feelings on it are heavily influenced by the fact that I've lived in the wild west since my senior year in high school. We haven't been civilized for as long as you Easterners have. Denim is the standard out here for work and casual wear. I consider golf to be a casual activity, therefore, I don't see anything wrong with casually wearing jeans when I play. I don't see anything wrong with wearing jeans to an average restaurant. I don't own a suit. I have one tie and one sport coat, and they get worn so rarely that I have to check ahead of time to be sure that the jacket still fits if I'm going to someplace where I will need them.
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Anachronism? I did mention that people close to me might say I should have been born much before my time. I would agree some of these things may depend on where/what parts of the world or country we grew up in. And don't get me wrong, I don't think we should be wearing ties to ballgames lol. But although as one of the bit more extreme examples it did imo come from the idea that it was respectful and that it maintained a certain social respect not only for oneself but for those around. And to be honest that one wasn't really too long ago that they were still doing that eve into the 60's 70's.

Dressing how one wishes does not make them a bad person. But I do find it all very interesting how the many negative behavioral changes that have taken place in society have also coincided with lack of better attire (at least in my part of the country)

I am not really for or against any golf dress codes. I would prefer a collared shirt at very least, but I also prefer not to wear a hat in a restaurant, prefer to wear something nice out for dinner and when visiting relatives and such or heading to a place for the evening like for instance a casino (although been two years since being in one lol). But the reason I use casino is because its a good example of what I mention. When people dressed better they behaved better. Nowadays people yelling/screaming across the casino floor to their drunk buddies right over others ears and just behaving disrespectfully and all. Not too many years back you would been thrown out for that not to mention not allowed in the first place in pm hours unless you were dressed well. Its just a sign of how times have changed and for some situations and in many ways a lot of it has not been for the better. But as you mention, perhaps much of this depends where you come from. Always been the norm where you come from and still are? Than perhaps these changes are not linked together. But its what I have experienced all my life living here in and next to the big city.
 
JB said:
You should wear jean shorts and a tank top to work. :D
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Haven't done that, (don't own jean shorts and won't, lol) but I have been known in the summer to wear a t shirt and khaki cargo shorts to work. I went to work today wearing tennis shoes, jeans and a golf polo. If you are more comfortable in what you are wearing you are free to focus more on the task at hand. Now as I said don't get me wrong if a course has a dress code I will more than willingly follow it, and this year i have been wearing golf shorts/pants when golfing, just don't see a reason why one should HAVE to wear them if they are not what that person feels is comfortable.
 
rollin said:
Anachronism? I did mention that people close to me might say I should have been born much before my time. I would agree some of these things may depend on where/what parts of the world or country we grew up in. And don't get me wrong, I don't think we should be wearing ties to ballgames lol. But although as one of the bit more extreme examples it did imo come from the idea that it was respectful and that it maintained a certain social respect not only for oneself but for those around. And to be honest that one wasn't really too long ago that they were still doing that eve into the 60's 70's.

Dressing how one wishes does not make them a bad person. But I do find it all very interesting how the many negative behavioral changes that have taken place in society have also coincided with lack of better attire (at least in my part of the country)

I am not really for or against any golf dress codes. I would prefer a collared shirt at very least, but I also prefer not to wear a hat in a restaurant, prefer to wear something nice out for dinner and when visiting relatives and such or heading to a place for the evening like for instance a casino (although been two years since being in one lol). But the reason I use casino is because its a good example of what I mention. When people dressed better they behaved better. Nowadays people yelling/screaming across the casino floor to their drunk buddies right over others ears and just behaving disrespectfully and all. Not too many years back you would been thrown out for that not to mention not allowed in the first place in pm hours unless you were dressed well. Its just a sign of how times have changed and for some situations and in many ways a lot of it has not been for the better. But as you mention, perhaps much of this depends where you come from. Always been the norm where you come from and still are? Than perhaps these changes are not linked together. But its what I have experienced all my life living here in and next to the big city.
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Not at all true. I've met some well dressed people on and off the course and they act like idiots/animals.
Mobsters wore suits... were they behaved people?

I have a friend who has sleeved tattoos, only wears jeans and a tshirt. He's the most nicest, genuine, respectful and a sincere person. But to judge him only by the way he looks... shame on you. (no one specific of course)

In my opinion, if you love this game suck it up and wear a collared shirt/pants if the course requires it. If the course doesn't require you to do so... wear whatever you want. Lastly, ask this question to yourself: "Does it affect YOU and your playing what other people are wearing?" If you let these things bother you, well... you have wrong priorities.
 
Wonton said:
In my opinion, if you love this game suck it up and wear a collared shirt/pants if the course requires it. If the course doesn't require you to do so... wear whatever you want. Lastly, ask this question to yourself: "Does it affect YOU and your playing what other people are wearing?" If you let these things bother you, well... you have wrong priorities.
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^This right here^ Agree fully!
 
musicmaster6921 said:
Haven't done that, (don't own jean shorts and won't, lol) but I have been known in the summer to wear a t shirt and khaki cargo shorts to work. I went to work today wearing tennis shoes, jeans and a golf polo. If you are more comfortable in what you are wearing you are free to focus more on the task at hand. Now as I said don't get me wrong if a course has a dress code I will more than willingly follow it, and this year i have been wearing golf shorts/pants when golfing, just don't see a reason why one should HAVE to wear them if they are not what that person feels is comfortable.
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So if your work required you to only wear certain things would you quit or say "that's ridiculous that they won't allow me to come in jeans" or "why do they care if I come nude or in a bathrobe, they should focus on what they want to wear". Or would you understand that some people look at dressing for the occasion as a sign that someone cares, since nobody has time interview each person before hand.

I hate that I have to drive 28 miles per hour in my neighborhood. Why should I have to follow that rule? I think people should only be concerned with the speed they drive.
 
If a club wants to enforce a dress code it's their right to. And if you don't like it, play somewhere else.

I follow the dress codes, but that's simply because I have no desire to stand out more than I already do. Personally I don't really care what other people are wearing, So I have nothing in favor or against dress codes either. My bar is set pretty low at "outerwear". If they feel comfortable in jeans, play in jeans. If you want to wear a T-shirt, wear a T-shirt. The only thing I care about is if you're a nice person to play 18 with. I've met douchebags on the course in $300,- golf pants and world class humans in $25,- jeans. I prefer t play with the latter.
 
Prior to THP, I was "that guy". Cutoff shorts, sleeveless shirts.

Now, I can't imagine golfing in those clothes. That is what I mow the yard in.

I prefer to see people dressed nicely (and I love that more courses have a dress code), but if a course allows it, it's not going to bother me a bit. As long as they aren't breaking a dress code, let them wear whatever they want.
 
Don't know that dress codes bother me, usually play in shorts, t-shirt and sometimes sandals. If I have to wear long pants I haven't gone far enough south. Do play with a man that is ninety that will not wear shorts to golf but will for shuffle board. Have never been to a course that required more than a collared shirt. Almost never tuck in a shirt.
 
JB said:
So if your work required you to only wear certain things would you quit or say "that's ridiculous that they won't allow me to come in jeans" or "why do they care if I come nude or in a bathrobe, they should focus on what they want to wear". Or would you understand that some people look at dressing for the occasion as a sign that someone cares, since nobody has time interview each person before hand.

I hate that I have to drive 28 miles per hour in my neighborhood. Why should I have to follow that rule? I think people should only be concerned with the speed they drive.
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Most certainly not, I would dress how I am required. I completely understand that many still view appearance as a way to view people and gauge there intent/professionalism/dedication. And when we have customers come in I most certainly wear dress slacks and a dress shirt to work. As I said I have no problem with the dress codes and I will adhere to them I just personally don't see them as something that should matter. And a lot of that golf wise could come from the courses I play, mainly smaller public courses around me, no private upscale courses around me. It is very common to see people in gym shorts and a t shirt on the course around me, and I will admit up until joining THP that is really all I have known with golf. As far as course managemnt and upkeep i can see where they are coming from with wanting people to take care of the course correctly and replace divot, repair pitch marks, keeping carts off of greens. And judging that based on looks. Do I agree with it, No, i don't think you should be judged my looks. But it is the world we live in. I still do tho believe that what you wear should be up to you and that if you are comfortable golfing in it why should someone else be able to say otherwise. As I stated in my first post as long as your attitude and etiquette are correct what you are wearing should not be an issue. and thats just my opinion.

The speed limit comment i have to say I don't see as a just ( for lack of a better word), if the group in front of you on the course is wearing shorts or jeans it in no way affects your safety, If some one is speeding 30 mph over the limit in your neighborhood that can very much so affect your safety. I do see where you are coming from tho.
 
Dress codes don't bother me at all, and I adhere to them.
But I also don't care what anyone else wears to the course as long as they aren't exposed or anything.
Most courses have some form of dress code.
But I have played on several military courses that allow jeans and a T shirt.
I have no problem with that either.

To me, I think it probably does hurt golf a little bit. I think you would get more people out there if the dress code was relaxed a little bit.
And I think that is a positive.
 
Smallville said:
Prior to THP, I was "that guy". Cutoff shorts, sleeveless shirts.

Now, I can't imagine golfing in those clothes. That is what I mow the yard in.

I prefer to see people dressed nicely (and I love that more courses have a dress code), but if a course allows it, it's not going to bother me a bit. As long as they aren't breaking a dress code, let them wear whatever they want.
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Sun's out, gun's out Mike. I like it.
 
tahoebum said:
A dress code is part of golf and I fully support it. My club is strict about belts and golf shirts being tucked in. IMO, I see plenty of wife beaters and pants worn too low with underwear hanging out when I go the the store or other public places. I don't need to see that on the golf course.
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You have to tuck in your shirt and wear a belt??? I guess we couldn't have a THP event there :p

EDIT: I stand corrected, we could have a THP event there, I just wouldn't be allowed in :)
 
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I think it comes down to this:



If a course wants a dress code, let them have it. If you agree, give them your money.



If the course doesn't want a dress code, likewise let them rescind it, and let people vote with their dollars.



As with a lot of things, capitalism will sort things out.
 
No issue here if people don't like it go somewhere else
 
Canadan said:
It's not right? It's basic human nature to assess and categorize. Walk into any interview and that's probably the first or second thing that happens.

Now, if a course doesn't adhere to a dress code and someone is rocking jeans, well, that's entirely up to them -- but based on nearly 30 years of golfing, they are absolutely going to get categorized by me, especially in season. It's just the way it is.
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Just because something is human nature doesn't make it right.
 
Barberakb said:
You have to tuck in your shirt and wear a belt??? I guess we couldn't have a THP event there
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Yes we could and have. A number of our events have required shirts tucked in.
 
Fourputt said:
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.
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I think this could be the biggest disconnect of this whole thread. Rural areas vs urban areas. The guys I play with are mostly farmers our factory workers, with jeans and t-shirts being the norm. Maybe were not up to the standards of nicer courses, but we have a good time and aren't hurting anyone . I don't think we should be looked down on for that.
 
JB said:
Yes we could and have. A number of our events have required shirts tucked in.
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And they required belts?
 
Why someone would ever want to wear a tucked in shirt without a belt is beyond me.
 
I never realized how a person dresses what such a hangup for so many. Seems to be the theme of the week.

I played on the regular with a guy in VA at Penderbrook, that wore jeans and wore people out. He was such a good stick and simple man. I'd tee it with him any day of the week. A lot what I learn on scrambling came from him. In fact in the winter
Of '95-'97. Half the member ship at the club wore jeans in the winter.
It makes wonder what would happen if I slipped and wore something questionable. It's fine being for rules and tradition but I get the sense that noses are turned up at anyone that doesn't conform.
 
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