Does Golf’s Dress Code Need To Go?
As the sport continues to fight for attention from the younger generations, could easing golf’s dress code attract new fans and players?
Ron Sirak, writing for Golf Digest magazine, makes more than a few good arguments in favor of relaxing golf’s restrictions on some types of apparal and materials in this article:
This is not a call for cutoff blue jeans and tank tops, but it is a reminder that a golf club should be a relaxing place that embraces casual attire. And there is no reason a club cannot be a trendy place in which young people feel they can be themselves.
[T]he current economy has placed many golf clubs—both private and public—under increased financial pressures. Still, many of those who run clubs look to the past for solutions instead of embracing the present as the pathway to the future.
Just about all of the outfits Natalie Gulbis wears in LPGA events would fail the dress code of just about all clubs. There is something wrong with that. If professional golfers are trying to expand the fashion frontiers of their sport, why should that creativity end at the front gate of private clubs?
Abbreviated skorts and cargo shorts might spell the end of club life as we know it—and perhaps that’s a good thing. Let’s rethink dress codes and make golf clubs places young people want to hang out. They pay dues, too.
As a casual Caveman myself, I think Ron’s on to something that could really help the entire golf industry continue growing. How about you? Does your home course enforce a strict dress code? Do you think more courses should subscribe to Ron’s way of thinking and be more accepting of new fashion trends, or should things stay the way they are?
~Scratch
As a person who prides himself on pushing the dress code envelope, I 100% totally agree. Now I still dress according to the informal rules of collared shirts, no jeans, soft spikes, but I love to “stand out” when I play with colors, plaids, madras and even a Kilt or 2! Golf is meant to be enjoyed, lets all be our own trend setters, not followers!
Natalie Gulbis is a very beautiful woman and she should be able to wear what she wants as long if it doesn’t show anything…
As a mother of 2 teenage female golfers, I am in favor of adding some style and fashion to the golf course. It is hard to find golf clothes that my teens will wear!
Dress code should be relaxed or changed, but not done away with. There needs to be room for individuals to dress in their own style, but at the same time, the game of golf is about honor and class, and there is no room for sloppy or inappropriate dress. I love seeing Rickie Fowler and Nat Gulbis’ style and see nothing wrong with it.
natalie gulbis can wear whatever the hell she wants. and if women at my club looked like her, i’d be in favor of a “no dress” code.
No I certainly do not, because golf started out as a gentleman game and even though the game has eolved to include women’s golf it would be a sad day to see the dress code changed because there’s nothing better than to see a well dress player on the greens.
The country club is one of the last vestages for the gentlemen. We do not need to lower the bar. Where will grownups go?