A large part of playing golf is dressing according to the decorum of the game. Golf as a sport, demands adherence to an unwritten etiquette regarding how one should be dressed with major golf courses prescribing their dress codes. While these dress codes are not as strict as the rules for PGA or LPGA tours, they are made keeping in mind that amateur players need to adhere to a etiquette in order to help keep the sport’s traditions. While you are booking a round of golf in an unfamiliar course, make sure you find out the dress code that the course has prescribed or you may not be allowed to play there.

Shirts

Golf courses, almost all of them, require men to be dressed in collared shirts. You may choose traditional cotton, microfiber or polyester golf shirts. Certain courses allow for turtle-neck styled collars which have a more modern outlook. Women’s golf shirts may be with or without collars, depending upon the course. However, all tops need to be worn with a sense of modesty about them. Thus, bathing suit tops or tank or tube tops are usually not permitted to be worn on golf courses. When you start packing for your next golf holiday, ensure that the shirts you pack can be worn at the courses. Otherwise you will have to buy shirts. This not only means extra expenses but also losing space which could be used to carry something back.

Pants

Men are required to wear long trousers which are generally made of a cotton or polyester blend. Dress shorts with a pleated or a front are also allowed. Few courses allow men to wear jeans but most do not, so it’s generally a good idea to not wear them. Women can wear long pants, capris or dress shorts. An apparel called golf skirts can also be worn. These apparels come with cut pleats or V notches in order to ensure that there is free motion while swinging the club. An under short is also generally required. Cut-off jeans, workout, running and basketball shorts are not allowed for men or women.

Shoes

Shoes are less a fashionable part of the game that they are functional. The shoes you where matter enough for them to be considered golfing equipment. Golf shoes need to help in stabilizing the player during swing, provided traction while on foot and also be comfortable enough to be worn for several hours. Golfing shoes generally come with spikes on their soles but one should keep in mind that most courses now prefer soft spikes which are made of hard rubber or plastic instead of metal. There may be other forms of shoes which can function well in golf courses as well. Sneakers and running shoes work well under certain conditions. However, they are allowed on certain courses while others prohibit them. Sandals, street shoes or boots are normally never allowed.

Socks

Necessary to be worn with shoes as, advances in fiber technology has made socks a very important part of the game. They help keep the golfer comfortable and keep his feet dry. Golf socks are now available in different styles and golfers can choose from ankle length socks or socks which are not visible above the shoes. However, traditional tube socks are permitted and while there no specific code about what kind of socks to wear, it is unsaid that the socks should quite obviously complement the rest of the attire. Make sure you take plenty of socks with you on your golf holiday. Wear a different pair of socks for each round of the course and keep your feet dry.

Hats

There is nothing about golfing etiquette which specifies that a hat needs to be worn. The choice should be based on the amount of sun that is out and if you find yourself needing something to shade your eyes with. Baseball hats or visors popular golf headgear accessories for both men and for women and the primary function they serve is to protect the golfer from the sun. Straw hats or hats known as Ben Hogan caps are allowed on certain golf courses but beanies or dress hats are not a good idea.

Bio:

Jim McMahon is a former pro golfer who now writes articles on topics related to golf. McMahon has played across many of the world greatest golf courses and his experiences allow him provide accurate insight into what is considered correct according to the norms and traditions of golf. Before finalising your golfing holiday, make sure you ask Jim any of your doubts in order to have a more pleasant experience.