After listening to the latest podcast episode of Off Course on THP Radio, the thought about dress codes is fresh in my mind. While the world has gotten more lax with most apparel policy, golf apparel has stayed fairly stagnant.
Simple rules really. Collared shirt or awful Blade Collar and the like, golf shorts and sometimes a course might ask you to tuck in your shirt. Do you think that is too much?
Should it be a free? Would it be more inviting of a game if it was come as you are?
You tell us. Sound off below.
I think the last portion pretty well nails it, really. It’s a choice to act like an ass, no matter what one is wearing or where they are at the time.
With golf, there is BK (the muni) and there is Stuffy McDeepPocket’s Inn, where many will never step foot and probably don’t have the means or outfit to enter anyway. So everyone can find a venue they can afford and be comfortable at.
And golf is socially distanced. The people in your immediate group are the only ones you’re really around. Hold your breath in the clubhouse.
Why does the muni have to be a "BK" ?
Why shouldnt the average avid player among the masses who cant afford a CC or perhaps not want to join one be able to expect to play in a respectable environment that has a tad of a raised level of awareness for etiquette at his muni? Why shouldnt a muni ask this of its guests and why shouldnt its guests expect that in return for paying to play there?
Yes, same here.
The first time or two a friend invited me to play golf I had no idea what golf was, how it was played or that there was a dress code. I’m thankful the clubhouse looked the other way rather than call me out, had they scolded me it’s likely I would have never played again.
Sure I’m properly attired now, heck I’m better dressed than most, I enjoy the form follows function aspect of golf wear. I’d never look down on anyone who wasn’t wearing proper attire, it might the their first time playing.
It doesn’t, but considering tax dollars are at play, they have to set the bar pretty low so that everyone can at least feel like they can participate and not have to buy a special outfit to do so. Considering most munis are intentionally being destroyed with "multi-use" initiatives like soccer golf, it won’t be an issue for long and golf can go back to being especially elite when these venues are sold off for their very valuable lands.
Excellent questions !
Agreed.
I’m not sure who said a soft dress code was a big deal, but I think a point worth considering is how differently we each define "soft dress code". Golf is different things to different people. Just as course owners or managers are unique in what kind of course they run. As a result, there seems to be an abundance of choices so that one doesn’t have to concern themselves with a course that falls outside their idea of what is correct.
We could compare the variety in golf courses to the variety of restaurants. If someone wears denim shorts and collarless shirt to a chain restaurant, nobody flinches. But there seems to be many who would have a problem with that same attire being worn to a public course that has a relaxed code. If so, why? If someone wants to dress like a clown to play golf, it will only give me something to laugh about during and after my round. Now if someone dresses like a clown and sounds off an airhorn, that’s a different story.
And as others have probably mentioned, I’d rather play golf with someone who is underdressed but is respectful of the course and others, than another wearing the nicest of golf attire and behaving like a total asshat. In my experience, those two examples are not uncommon. Like the old adage goes, you can put lipstick on a pig, but they’re still a pig.
What you say is true, after switching to boxers my attitude has become a lot more relaxed and light-hearted. My tighty whites made me all uptight and argumentive about minute things. imo of course. ?
Of course I too would much rather play with a person in a tank who is respectful and well behaved vs a jerk dressed in the most proper golf attire. But again,..I really believe this misses the point.
We can all find and possibly at one time or another experienced the a-hole in a suit at someones wedding banquet. But that does not mean we show up at the ball room next time in jeans, work boots, and a tshirt. Nor does it mean the next newly wedded couple to book the wedding reception center expect that. Hence why it misses the point.
Why are we normally at a wedding reception in suits and gowns in the first place? I mean people in suits and gowns can behave poorly while others who are dressed down may behave better. right? So why do we do it?
The answer is that it displays respect for the couple and also suggests we should expect a respectful display of behavior. In fact wearing suits and gowns in the first place (even if we dont know it) automatically raises and changes (even if slightly) our behavior awareness level among other things. This is because in general there is a correlation between dress vs behavior, mood, interactions, etc.
I think you’re confusing "missing the point" with disagreement.
You say studies have been performed indicating a correlation. I’ll accept that as truth and assume the studies were peer-reviewed and fairly conducted. In my 9 years of golfing, I once witnessed a group of non-golfers at the course dressed in beach attire acting like total jerks, so I know it happens.
But overall, that argument is weak, IMO. Based on my experience, the correlation between attire and behavior is simply underwhelming. Other golfers don’t piss me off very often, but when they have, the vast majority of them have been wearing "proper" golf attire. So in my world, the correlation is a non-issue.
If you consider golf attire to be the same issue as attire for formal events – or an issue of respect, that argument to me seems more valid. I disagree, but at least I understand it… sort of.
The solution seems pretty simple to me. Live and let live. For those who believe this is real a problem, choose to play at courses which enforce the code. For those who refuse to wear a collared shirt, play at courses that allow it. If you think all golfers and all courses should conform to either standard, get a life.
well said at most part. . However I dont feel that very last sentences is necessary nor fair. One could suggest it the other way around and suggest that those who have a problem with dress codes being at all courses as simple and easy as most golf ones are should then get a life.
I do feel that all courses should require a soft dress code of at minimum a collared shirt. I do believe that helps create and send the minor message that simple expected awareness of good behavior is to be the atmosphere. Or at least is what desired and that everyone can expect to give that and also get it in return.
The very question is asked in the thread title…… "Should golf have a dress code?"
What your implying in your last sentences is that anyone who feels it should needs to then go get a life. Kind of no point in the question or the discussion/debate if thats really any real answer. Im not saying you were trying to be mean or disrespectful there but golf having a dress code would mean that would be the case everywhere we might play it. I think it should and that does not mean I should get a life. It only means I desire and appreciate the better behavior whenever and wherever I am. And i believe dress correlates with that (generally speaking) and I understand that others dont.
I know folks dont agree with what I say next. And perhaps is part of the issue that i see,
I think society in general needs to be held to at least some standard vs the way it has imo been heading. And that is one of which has declining levels of common courtesies, behavior, respect, and etiquette. I think its nice that some things still require something extra of society vs the way (nowadays) it wants everyone and anyone fit into everything anyway they chose to do so. Wanting to preserve things that bring about an expectation of better behaviors is imo a good thing and I am certainly one who would like to see us try to hold on to as much of that as we can as i witness less and less of it. And that saddens me. So with due respect its not about getting a life , but is much more about trying to preserve and or maintain as much good one as we can. thats wnhy i feel strongly about this and even if one doesnt agree I am coming from what i think is a good place intent wise. But hey,….just my insignificant take on it.
Same here but I do tuck my shirt in wearing pants but never tuck in the shirt wearing shorts. To me wearing pants with an untucked shirt is sloppy & also leads to potential plumbers crack but untucked with shorts you can get away with it.
Any time I invite a friend to golf who is new/inexperienced, I make sure to tell them to wear a collared shirt and non-denim shorts. I’d hate for them to be embarrassed, and/or worse yet, be turned away by the pro shop because they showed up in a t-shirt and jeans. Same thing even if they’re not new to the game, but I know they’ve been playing regularly at one of the courses that has an "anything goes" dress code.
Today was a good example. We were playing as a threesome and were stuck behind three foursomes ahead of us. A twosome came up to the tee box behind us on a par 3 while we were on the green, and we saw them drive down the hill and go to the next tee box to jump in front of us. They were two younger guys, both had their ball caps on backwards and one was barefoot. When they got to the next tee box and saw the backup ahead of them, they apologized to us and said they didn’t realize there was nowhere to go, and drove back up to the tee box behind us to wait their turn. They never hit into us after that, always maintained their space, and from what we could see, weren’t doing anything ridiculous or acting like asshats. They pulled up behind us at the tee box on another par 3 a few holes later that was backed up and we had a friendly chat with them for a couple minutes, then they sat back and stayed quiet while we hit our tee shots. Nice enough guys.
Our course doesn’t have marshals out right now (summer is our offseason), so once you get past the pro shop and the first tee you’re completely on your own as far as what you do. The only way the pro shop would ever know anything screwy was going on is if somebody called and complained about it.
Well said. Why waste energy worrying about what others wear? It’s trivial.
@rollin, you are 100% correct with the above reply and you were right to call me out on it. Just because I feel a certain way doesn’t mean I have to word my beliefs that way.
I apologize to you and everyone else for posting it.
________________________________________________________________
Look, I don’t want to see a shirtless guy in a speedo and flip flops on the golf course, just as I don’t like the fact that my neighbor has a bunch of old vehicles in his backyard or a guy in the grocery store thinks it’s ok to wear his pants below his ass cheeks. At the same time, I don’t want to be that guy who gets too concerned about what others do because I’m far from perfect. Just as there are communities which have Homeowners Associations, there are golf courses which have strict dress codes. I’m glad both are available and glad we all have a choice.
This is true. You mentioned wedding attire a few posts back and I wondered, has he been to a wedding or a funeral lately. It certainly isn’t what it used to be. There are so many things in our society that have changed in my life, but to comment on them would not only be off-topic, the conversation could easily slide against the forum’s no politics policy.
Anyway, agree to disagree on the topic. A relaxed dress code is not the end of the world. Someone not complying, however, would easily be ignored as I wonder whether or not I’m going to break 100 today.
a kilt on a windy day…..no bueno
as I indicated in my post I honestly didnt feel you were trying to be mean by it. No worries at all
And you are correct with your wedding/funeral comment and i think that applies to a whole lot of things. Early on in the thread I made references as to what imo is no coincidence at all when it comes to society’s laxing etiquettes and its laxing dress codes. Both of which imo have sadly fallen and done so almost proportionally.
But again…thats just the way I see it.
Agree to disagree on that is all good but its fun and interesting to debate and discuss it too. Its what forums live on.
Exactly, I can’t wrap my head around this notion of golf being a social activity where folks judge each other’s clothing, I’m sure that’s common at some courses but it is so far from my experience you might as well be playing golf on another planet.
When I walk into the clubhouse this afternoon, I won’t see “the club”, a committee, a pro, or an official, nope just some dude behind the counter who doesn’t bat an eye at me as he packs up my 6 pack, I might see some kid in the cart shed who’s napping. Maybe someone will be on the first tee box when we start, they might glance back once, more than likely we won’t get within 150yds of them all afternoon. That’s it, we’ll enjoy our round played in relative solitude, gloriously free from prying eyes, and judgement. If the golf experience is different on other planets I don’t want anything to do with it.
I mean, if not an actual dress code, at least a manner of dress commonly associated with the sport.
Not to either of you but to many folks here. Many of you imo are taking it to mean that anyone who doesnt have a collared shirt is being peered at and judged as a bad person or one who cant behave well enough for the course. People seem to take it as an insult and or cant understand why it matters what they wear.
But truth is no one really know us and so asking for a soft dress code (which is really all this is) is a way to let us know that the course expects us to maintain an atmosphere of respectable behavior and also says that this what we can expect in return while there due to the fact that everyone else is asked the same of.
Its really nothing more than that in the end.
Its not about insulting anyone and its not about poorly judging and most of us (as mentioned) probably dont even realize what others wearing (unless it was very unusual). The only thing it is,..is a way to let us know respectable behavior etiquette is expected from us and is what we could also anticipate in return.
There is this notion and even unwritten rule nowadays that there can be no barriers no matter how small and any such thing at all is snobby, or negative discrimination, or insulting, and incorrect, or elitism, etc,etc,…
No one is saying a person is bad because they want to wear cargo shorts and a tee shirt. What they are saying is that they would like everyone to meet this "X" soft dress code while there for the reasons given above. I dint get why its so hard to do nor do i get why something as small as this like so many things has to be ripped out of society so that no one feels left out or insulted and everyone can just fit into everything whatever way they see fit to do so.
Honestly with due respect to all i think its just a bit ridiculous and just as much so as anyone who feels its ridiculous to have one.
Having one only asks for something nice (thats all it does) vs not having one which asks for nothing at all. It seems people view that "nice" as a standard and god for bid we ask society of any standards at all however so small without insulting folks and or getting negative reactions.
But for me … I would rather see some sort of code. For several reasons. Having a dress code sets a standard. Otherwise, where does it end? If one person is allowed to play in cut off jeans and no shoes (golf or otherwise), then is it ok for the next person to wear a banana hammock? Having a code eliminates the finger-pointing …"he’s wearing jeans … she’s wearing a bikini top".
As an avid golfer, If I see a foursome ahead of us and they are wearing jeans, tank tops, flip flops or similar, My first thought (yes, judging a book by its cover) is "great, this is going to be a long round".
If they all duff the ball … my 4 hour round just went to 5 hours or longer.
If they were wearing proper golf attire, my first thought after someone duffs the ball is "oooh, poor guy, he’s in for a tough day". Clothes make the man.
Now granted if they all crush it 300+ yards, then my bad.
It’s a slippery slope ,,, have you seen the websites dedicated to what people are wearing to WALMART? We have lost touch with the "human contract". Doing what we want in public, Blowing our nose by plugging one nostril and snorting. No one wants to see that.
In the 1940’s people dressed up to go to watch baseball. Fine dining has dress codes, There was a time (maybe still is) that 7-11 had a ‘no shirt, no shoes, no service.’
If it’s a city-run course that taxes pay for then wear what you want. If it is a Country Club or a privatley-owned public course, it is a business, not funded by city taxes. They can set the rules. If you owned a business would you not have rules, dress codes?? I am sure you can’t walk into McDonald’s barefoot or shirtless.
Granted, there is no need for Golftown or golf courses to charge $100 (or more) for a polo shirt. I saw a pair of golf shorts for $250 in Golftown once.
There are options for less expensive, quality clothes. Dress for success.
I am not saying sweater vests and argyle socks. Just be presentable. In fact, jeans are fine and even t-shirts, it might be all you have. But just respect the game, the course and other golfers.
Speaking of Walmart, they have nice golf shirts. Branded Ben Hogan shirts for less than $20.
If you think you will look funny wearing brightly colored golf clothes on the course … think again, you probably get more looks if you are not wearing golf attire.
If your golf game sucks, hide it by wearing golf attire. Other golfers will think you are just having a bad round.
Coughlin not holding back!
well dang….
Why shouldnt a public muni course also have a standard? I feel part of the issue with society in genral nowadays is the fact that standards like unofficial drss codes keep lacking more and more. And in my strong opinion I believe its no coincidence at all that so has respect, common courtesies, and etiquette gone down with it.
My muni courses are not funded by tax dollars and in fact its customers green fees not only supports the golf itself but also brings in excess which then supports other avenues of the municipality.
But regardless whether the muni golf is a money maker or not,…why in the world cant it still have a dress code policy?
Why is there this constant notion in this thread that somehow the general public does not have to nor is capable of a simple standard of a little dress code which does nothing more than suggest that we hold ourselves to a respectable standard of behavior and is also what we can then expect in return from others while we are there.
Why is this somehow the incorrect thing? Why not a a society cant we demand even a small standard without it being viewed as some type of negative discrimination or insult of some sort? Why must everyone fit into everything with zero standards and the way they see fit however they wish? Why can we not ask a small standard of each other to try to help maintain some of whatever is left of respectful good behavior , common courtesies and etiquette?
And please (to all) stop with the specific scenario where one can dress like a slob and be a great and well behaved person while another can dress great and yet be a total jerk. Sorry but that just inst relevant to the large picture.
Just when exactly had it become wrong to hold each other (as a society) accountable for a certain level of respect, etiquette and common courtesies to be displayed towards and with each other? A soft simple easy dress code really does nothing more than asks us to have an awareness of that. Why is this such a bad thing or problem at the public level? Are we that far gone? perhaps we are. and thats pretty sad imo.
Mostly due to inadequate parenting and, or, a lack of good sense role models.
Not sure if what you mention was serious or kidding around. But I agree with it a good amount. And some even many may find that insulting, hence part of the very issue imo.
what paid to have the muni course in question built?
Or acquired I suppose can also be asked?
Certainly between the 5 full courses the county (as for I know). I believe one was sold for very little to the county, not sure about 2 more and then about year 2000 or so they builtb 2 sisiter courses on county land. No doubt tax dollars were spent. And I honestly do not know all the detail. But i do know golf was and has been a money maker for the county. Its why they added 2 more courses which may have been a mistake like many did via the over expansions during the Tiger influx. One course (instead of 2) probably would made the whole system even much more profitable today. None the less I do know that what the county brings in from its golf customers does support other than golf so it does make some money (to at least some degree).
But even if it was costing vs earning I just dont see where it would natter as for a society even in the municipal sector that we cannot or should not ask a little of each other like a simple soft easy dress code at our muni golf courses. Why so wrong just because its a muni? That just doesnt fly with me.
I don’t mean to sound rude but, why don’t you petition the golf courses you frequent to implement a dress code instead of beating this subject like a dead horse.
There is a course around here, actually the closest one to my house on my way to work, that would be convenient for me to utilize but it is a goat track with a bunch of Yahoo’s on it that I won’t set foot on. I make my own choices and and all us on here are grownass adults that can make our own decisions. If you’re offended by the people at the courses you play, talk to the courses, not a group of random people on the internet.
Oh I forgot…..imo
Who says I have an issue or am offended with folks at my courses?
We actually have a collared shirt code anyway.
And im not going to decide what you are just because you may not have a collared shirt on.
Its not a dead horse because folks keep discussing it.
the question was/is out out there …."Should golf have a dress code?"
All im doing is continuing discussing and debating with folks and adding to peoples posts. The very basis of a forum is indeed to talk to random people. Thats why we are here on the forum in the first place. Grownass random adults talking, discussing, debating, etc… and asking each other questions and questioning each others reasoning. If not for that then we have no forum.
What you mention is imo part of the problem. (paraphrasing here) …"No one is going to tell us Grownass adults what to wear, we will make our own choice" and hence is what I think lies some the gist of what i been trying to get out. Sure you can make your own choice and if all courses had a minor dress code (like I think they should) of just a collared shirt and you dont want to do that then you dont have to play golf. So your correct you can do what you want. Not trying to mean by saying that. But just where I think part of the problem exists.
And oh yea….imo
I’m not sure anyone is saying a course can’t have a dress code policy. What I’m saying is it doesn’t matter to me whether it does or does not. Even if you don’t agree with me, surely you can understand where I’m coming from. No?
The question is: Should golf have a dress code? Some think it should… universally…. on all courses. What you might describe as a "soft" code would likely fall woefully short of what others believe is just right.
There are some who, if made king of the golf world, would not allow this attire at any course.
The slippery slope is one reason why some don’t feel it should be universal and why leaving it up to individual courses seems more logical.
In the end, most courses are purchased or built by those looking to make a profit. They may care less about integrity, respect for the game or whatever reasons you might feel a code is necessary, and instead make their decision based on which end of the dress code spectrum will generate the most profit. They might base that off of the community nearest the course as @BeCu_Ping suggested. If that community is rural, you’ll likely see some wearing camo and denim. Again, absolutely not allowed at some courses, welcomed by others.
Maybe you’re not saying the same dress code should be applied exactly the same to all courses. Instead, maybe you’re suggesting all courses should simply have something in place… a minimal code. Is that correct?
Im not worrying about it either while playing and probably not even noticing what most folks are wearing unless it stood out like a sore thumb or something. But kind of besides the point of discussion.
absolutely I understand it deosnt matter to you. The things I questioned of some folks is……its often mentioned that a public muni should be different and i ask them but why does or would a muni golf course some how be different? as though its not acceptable for a muni to ask this of its guests?
Almost as though society itself cannot nor should not hold itself to any standard at all. And i find that to be one of the issues in the larger picture of which our golf world is only a small part. But its all the small parts which then make up the large picture.
Your second question…..i think most all courses (meaning "golf" itself as the topic question asks of us) should have at least something even if as minimal as a collared shirt. And as for why? it relates back to my feelings about our society and what ive mentioned about a correlation between dress and behavior however minimal it might be. That correlation does exist. I feel its a good thing and for good reason that we (via our golf) ask something so simple of each other. To me its just something that says …"hey, while here we expect you to maintain a respectable atmosphere and one also consistent with golf etiquettes" and it also says…."and this is what you can also expect in return".
Imo and experiences, i feel more and more places where the public is welcome are becoming less nice to be at because peoples good qualities (respect, common courtesies, and ettiquette) are slowly yet gradually diminishing more and more. And id like to think that golf courses (yes even public ones) is one place in which doesnt follow down that same route of diminishing good qualities. And imo a simple easy dress code can do its small part which helps preserve this while on the courses.
I’m all for a dress code, but I’d like to see a little more casual wear allowed. Something like No jeans or jean shorts, no holes in your clothes, no tank tops or sports jerseys. And no Loudmouth apparel.
I agree with you. I was just trying to walk a fine line and not offend everyone.
DRESS CODE
Shirts with collars and sleeves are required; however, women may
wear collarless shirts with sleeves or sleeveless shirts with collars.
Neither tank tops, tee shirts, short shorts, gym shorts, cut-offs,
bathing suits nor denim pants/shorts are permitted. Players are
expected to adhere to the dress code. Those inappropriately attired
may be asked to change clothes before being allowed access to the
course. The tournament committee will adhere to any more specific dress code
required by a host facility.
Understood…..and as for walking on egg shells when we speak or if we care to place some even just minor demand on society for a greater good and yet have to worry we might offend someone? hence imo part of the issue.
Frankly, I care what people wear in certain venues, More at upscale settings, but even on municipal courses. Atmunis I don’t mind seeing shirts not tucked in, and even cargo shorts if people choose, but you can still look respectful with that type of clothing. Private clubs, it’s nice to see people adhere to a dress code.