In my opinion there’s a lot of tradition and etiquette connected to the game of golf. So, I feel one should show up for a round dressed appropriately regardless of playing public, semi private or private course. Dressing the part plays a role in the mind set of your game as well as how others perceive you on or off the course.
Today Standards are more lax at public courses as they don’t want to turn away anyone with cash in hand, tote the feeling the game needs to grow, so shedding the exclusive nature of the sport is seen as a good thing. But sometimes the pendulum swings too far when I see tee shirts, jams, for the guys and sports tank tops for the women.
At the driving range or practice areas the all out uniform is not all together necessary in my book. Jeans are ok as long as accompanied by a collared shirt and proper footwear. However, if one is heading on course afterwards that’s a different story.
Although some of courses I frequent allow questionable attire in my book – They ask that guys wear a collared shirt and note the course prescribes slacks or hemmed shorts to incoming players.
Here are rules from a few of the course I play in CT….
Golfers are expected to wear proper attire. Collared shirts are requested for men and women. Proper golf shorts and jeans are acceptable. Golf shoes (soft spikes only) or sneakers are permitted. Short-shorts, jogging, tennis, athletic shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, cut-offs or bathing suits ARE NOT considered acceptable attire for the golf course.
Please note that jeans of any style (shorts or long pants), short shorts or mini-skirts, cut offs, tank tops, dew rags, bathing suits or mens and boys shirts without a collar are NOT permitted. Caps should be worn with the bill facing forward Only soft-spike shoes or rubber soled shoes are permitted. If your golf shoes do not have soft-spikes, Please see a golf shop attendant to have your spikes changed.
