Golf Dress Code: What to Wear and What's Not Allowed

Why golf has a dress code

Golf has a tradition of requiring specific attire, particularly at private and membership clubs. It's not purely aesthetic: the dress code is part of the club's identity and atmosphere, and it is an access requirement that each course can freely establish.

Important: the dress code is not in the Rules of Golf (R&A/USGA). It is a club rule, not a Rules of Golf provision. Each course can have its own or none at all.

Typical dress code at private clubs

Private and membership clubs in the UK, Europe, and the US tend to have the strictest dress codes. The most common requirements are:

Permitted clothing

• Collared polo shirt (with or without buttons)
• Golf trousers (not jeans)
• Golf shorts to the knee
• Skirt or shorts for women

Commonly prohibited clothing

• Collarless shirts (sport T-shirts, vest tops, round-neck T-shirts)
• Jeans (including coloured or stretch denim)
• Shorts above the knee (at many clubs)
• Flip-flops, sandals, or open-toe shoes
• Clothing with non-golf-related advertising

Additional common requirements

• Cap or visor worn with the brim facing forward (many clubs prohibit backward caps)
• Undershirt visible above the collar (some clubs prohibit this)

Dress code at public and municipal courses

Public and municipal courses are generally more flexible. The typical minimum is:

• Appropriate athletic footwear (hard-soled non-sports shoes are not permitted)
• No vest tops or beachwear

At many public courses there is no formal dress code, though basic athletic attire is expected.

Federated competition and tournaments

In competitions organised by national or regional federations, the host course's dress code typically applies. The entry confirmation or the Local Notice may specify additional requirements.

In professional circuits (DP World Tour, LPGA Tour), players have sponsorship contracts that govern which brands they wear, but the course's minimum dress code still applies.

Golf shoes: spikes and restrictions

• Metal golf spikes: banned at most courses since the 1990s, as they damage greens. Now extremely rare.
• Plastic soft spikes: generally permitted at all courses
• Spikeless golf shoes: also permitted at most courses
• Spikeless athletic trainers: permitted at public courses, sometimes not at private clubs

Some courses specifically prohibit metal spikes even on the practice areas.

What happens if you don't comply

In formal competition:

• The referee or tournament director may ask you to change before going out. If you cannot or will not, you may be disqualified from the competition
• In practice, this rarely happens because players typically know the course's code

In a social round:

• The course may refuse you access or ask you to change
• Some courses have a shop where you can buy a basic item of clothing if you haven't come properly dressed

Current trends

Golf dress codes are evolving. Many courses, especially public ones and those aiming to attract younger players, have relaxed their rules. Some relevant developments:

• Most clubs now allow polo-style shirts without a traditional collar if they have a mock or technical collar design
• Technical golf jogger trousers are being accepted at courses that previously prohibited them
• Athletic trainers with flat soles are increasingly common at public courses

If you're unsure, check the course's dress code before booking — most courses publish it on their website or include it in the booking confirmation email.