Golf is a popular sport, and one of the reasons is that everyone can enjoy it. Some like to play golf to relax and enjoy the fresh air, while others play to compete. And because many business meetings are held on golf courses, people in the corporate world have a particular reason to enjoy this pastime. The relaxed and pleasant environment of the golf course makes it an excellent place for business people to bond with clients and business partners.
The main issue with golf is that proper attire is needed for this sport; you can’t play it in a t-shirt and jeans. Golf is a sport with a long history, played by both royalty and ordinary people, and it has a certain “class” or formality to it. Even today, most golf courses and clubs strictly enforce dress codes. The purpose of the dress code isn’t simply to constrain you or make you look beautiful; it’s also crucial to your performance.
In order to have an enjoyable golfing experience, you need to wear clothes that are both practical and comfortable. This means clothes that don’t restrict your movements and allow you to play a good game. Below you’ll find the essential pieces of clothing that you should wear on the course.
Tops
A polo shirt has been the iconic golfer’s shirt for decades, and for a good reason! It’s stylish, smart, and, most importantly, comfortable in most weather conditions.
To be ideal for golf, a polo shirt should have the following characteristics:
- Be made from materials such as spandex, polyester, nylon, lycra and mercerised cotton, generally a blend of several fabrics.
- Be breathable, flexible and lightweight.
- Have moisture-management properties to keep your body and shirt dry in hot and humid weather.
- Offer UV protection to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating the shirt and reaching your skin.
- Have antibacterial properties to prevent odour.
Bottoms
While you may be allowed to wear dress pants on the golf course, you should really consider buying a pair of golf trousers. Are golf trousers different to normal trousers, you may wonder? Yes, they are. The fit and the textiles you’ll find in trousers for golf aren’t the same as in dress pants, so you’ll experience a different performance while wearing them.
Golf pants are thinner pants that have a more athletic fit. But because they’re made from light materials, you don’t feel restricted as you perform your swings. Common materials used to make golf trousers include:
- Polyester – a common material used by many golf brands, polyester is a very breathable fabric that offers enough stretch for comfort and fits well to the body for improved performance in any weather condition.
- Cotton – a breathable material can is often blended with spandex to provide improved stretchiness in the trouser.
- Wool – a breathable, lightweight, and exceptionally warm material due to its easy feel and outdoor characteristics. It can tolerate a wide range of changing weather conditions while maintaining its shape and function.
- Microfibre – a strong contender when it comes to determining which is ideal for the golf course due to its comfortable characteristics. It drapes well over the body and is breathable in all weather, facilitating play by allowing mobility from every angle.
Finding the right fit is also essential. There are golfers who will not wear a pair of pants if they cannot add a belt, thus picking a model with belt loops is a great idea. Some models provide extra grip within the waistband to keep a polo shirt securely tucked in throughout a round of golf. Pockets provide convenient storage for tees, golf ball markers, and other equipment. Slit side pockets with a flat, clean front are prevalent. Rear pockets are often slit and buttoned.
Shorts are suitable for warm weather. They should be made of the same material as your pants and should reach just above your knees.
Shoes
Running shoes are generally allowed on the golf course. However, investing in traditional golf shoes will provide you with a more stable swing and improved all-day comfort. Many golf courses forbid the use of metal spikes and instead call for strong rubber or plastic spikes on your golf shoes. Men’s shoes are typically only available in white, black, or brown, but a fashionable pair of socks that complements the rest of your clothing is advised.
Accessories
Now that you know what to dress on the golf course, let’s move on to the next level. There are some unknown norms of golf etiquette, and I’m here to tell you which golf accessories you need to get to look like a professional golfer.
Hats
Sun protection is crucial because golf is almost exclusively played in the sun. Baseball caps and visors are common choices although straw hats, bucket hats, and beanies are all suitable (weather permitting). Fedoras and cowboy hats should be left at home, and you should always remove your hat before going inside the facility. Hats must be worn facing forward at all times.
Sunglasses
Golf sunglasses not only shield your eyes from sun damage but also improve your game. The customised lens technology in golf sunglasses improves colour and contrast, allowing you to see the ball and variations in terrain with ease. They also include various sports performance characteristics that keep them tight and comfortable even when you sweat.
Glove
Wearing a glove on your non-dominant hand can help you maintain a firm hold on your club, especially in hot conditions.
Socks
Comfort is essential in any game of golf, especially while you’re on your feet. Socks produced exclusively for golf are made of fabrics that enable moisture control to keep you dry and anti-odour technology to prevent further distractions. The socks include dynamic arch support to prevent fatigue and cushioning in key zones to improve comfort when playing golf.
What Should You Not Wear to the Golf Course?
Wearing too many bright, vibrant colours is a classic golf clothing faux pas. Don’t get me wrong: displaying some individuality isn’t a crime, but most golfers reserve it for their golf accessories.
Aside from flashy trends, stay away from jeans, tank tops, and extremely casual or sloppy attire. Golf gear is frequently elegant and subtle. On the course, common hues include beige, navy, grey, and black. The business-casual look allows you to blend in on the course and afterwards at the club.
