Whether you are a country club member or heading out to a tournament as a guest, you must know what to wear.
Sometimes deciding what to wear to go play at a country club can be a bit stressful.
You won’t want to embarrass yourself by wearing something that is not appropriate.
Overall, it’s better to feel confident about how you look no matter where you are going.
Knowing what to wear at a country club does not have to be all that difficult.
What To Wear At A Country Club?
At a country club, you are almost always safe wearing a collared shirt and golf or dress-type pants.
When you wear shorts at a country club, ensure they are the proper material and length for the club as specified in their regulations.
Something like cargo shorts or camo shorts is not acceptable.
The dress code for a country club is typically a bit dressier than that of a public golf course.
The good news is that certain brands can help guide your stylistic choices.
If you pick a company you like—Adidas or RLX, for example—and you purchase golf pants and golf shirts from the line, most country clubs will approve of what you are wearing.
When it comes to things like leggings or hoodies, these are newer trends in golf but are not necessarily approved everywhere just yet.
Don’t try to be trendy at a country club unless you are a member, and the club starts selling those clothes in the golf shop.
Proper Attire For The Country Club
Now that you have a general idea as to what you should wear at a country club, here are more details on each specific clothing item.
1. Shirts
For men, shirts that have collars are best for the country club.
If you are playing golf at the country club, then a polo shirt is acceptable.
However, if you are attending the country club to eat dinner, you may need to consider a button-down shirt with a collar.
Some country clubs also require a blazer or suit jacket during certain dinner celebrations.
If you are a guest, make sure to verify this before you get to the golf course.
Female golfers are often allowed to wear sleeveless golf shirts as long as they have a collar.
In addition, women can also wear a shirt that has no collar as long as it is designed for golf or by a specific golf brand.
One thing to be sure of when wearing something that does not have a collar is that the shirt has sleeves.
Almost all country clubs will discourage a shirt that has no collar and no sleeves.
2. Shorts/Pants
Most country clubs will allow you to wear shorts, but if you are in doubt, wear pants.
Long pants will be accepted at a golf course as long as they are not denim, cargo, or work-type pants.
The pants you wear should be properly hemmed so they don’t get ruined on the course and so they look professional.
Some female golfers may be interested in wearing leggings on the course, but this rule is still a bit up in the air and may not be the best choice of dress at a country club.
Shorts typically must be no shorter than 5 inches long—about the height of the knee.
Shorts deemed too short are not acceptable to wear on the golf course.
Instead, golfers need to consider wearing longer shorts designed specifically for golfers.
This rule is important for women to adhere to as well.
Some clubs are stricter than others when it comes to shorts length for women; however, most Bermuda-length golf shorts should do the trick.
3. Hats
Hats are smart to wear because they can keep your head and face protected from the sun.
Golf courses can be pretty lenient about the hat you wear; however, you are going to be better off if the hat is a golf-specific hat.
Supporting a particular brand or wearing a hat from another course you have played is generally consistently acceptable among golf courses.
4. Shoes
Golf shoes are the best shoe option to wear at a country club.
Although you are typically allowed to wear something like sneakers, golf shoes are preferred.
In addition to wearing golf shoes, make sure that you are smart about where you put your golf shoes on.
Golf shoes should typically not be changed in the parking lot or on the first tee.
Most country clubs have locker rooms that allow you to change your shoes and get ready for a day on the golf course.
Stay away from any other type of shoes besides golf shoes and sneakers when you are headed to play a round of golf.
Are Jeans Okay At A Country Club?
Jeans are typically not acceptable to wear at a country club.
There are exceptions to this, as some country clubs do allow jeans for casual Friday night dinners.
However, many of them are strict and have a no-denim policy.
Hardly any country clubs will allow golfers to play golf wearing denim.
Golf does require a bit more attention to detail and effort when it comes to being properly dressed, but it will be well worth your efforts when you enjoy a nice time at a club.
What Should You Not Wear To A Country Club?
Now that you have a better idea as to what you should wear to a country club, it’s time to look into what you shouldn’t wear.
If you wear something that is inappropriate or against club attire, you’ll sometimes be asked to leave or to go to the pro shop and find something appropriate.
This is embarrassing and should be avoided at all costs.
1. Denim
Denim is not acceptable at a country club, even if you’re just there to eat a meal.
Many clubs have a strict anti-denim policy that you will need to adhere to.
This can include anything from jeans to a jean jacket to a denim hat.
Most country clubs will post their dress code on their website so it’s easy for both members and guests to see what is acceptable.
2. Casual Attire
Casual attire, like sweatpants and sweatshirts, is not going to be acceptable at a golf course.
You may see that a golf shop sells a sweatshirt or a t-shirt with the club’s name on it, but it is still not sold with the intention of you wearing it out to play golf or to a meal at the club.
The key is to always look nice if you are headed to a golf course to play.
Casual attire is generally a bit too sloppy to be acceptable while golfing and you will likely be asked to change before coming into the clubhouse or going out on the golf course.
3. Workout Gear
Workout gear is something that many golfers wear off the course.
In workout gear, you can head from the grocery store to the gym and not worry about having to change.
This clothing is incredibly convenient, while also being comfortable and looking good.
However, unless you are working out at the gym at a country club, you’ll be discouraged from wearing any type of workout gear on the premises.
Workout gear can sometimes look very similar to golf gear—especially outerwear pieces.
However, you can usually tell which pieces are appropriate to wear on the golf course.
Something like a ¼ zip in a performance material with a golf shirt underneath may work fine.
However, warm-up pants are not appropriate as they won’t meet the requirements for golf pants at a country club.
4. Flip-Flops/Beach Attire
Any type of beach attire is much too casual to wear at a country club.
This includes anything like flip-flops or tank tops.
Of course, some country clubs might have pools, and you can certainly wear proper pool attire within a designated area.
However, many clubs will have rules about walking through the clubhouse when you’re in pool attire.
You may have to stay in the pool area and use a designated locker room until you are dressed properly.
5. Anything Too Revealing
Most country clubs appreciate modesty.
If you are a person who wears clothing that tends to be revealing, it may not be well received by the country club.
It’s typically best to wear more conservative clothing when you head out to the golf course.
Revealing clothes that may be acceptable for a nightclub or night out on the town are not okay to wear at a country club.
Why Do Country Clubs Have Dress Codes?
Now that you have a better idea of what is acceptable at a golf course, you may be wondering why this is even an issue.
Country clubs have dress codes to help keep a certain standard throughout the entire club.
Although these clubs are well aware that people have their own styles, they are trying to keep the traditions of the game intact, and that requires a specific dress code.
Dress codes will vary from one club to another, but if you have one or two acceptable outfits, chances are you can make them work at almost any club.
Executives at country clubs will meet occasionally to discuss issues like dress code policies and make amendments based on the most recent trends in the game.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now feel a bit more confident regarding what you can and can’t wear on the golf course and at a country club.
If you are a guest at a friend’s country club, don’t be afraid to ask what is acceptable.
If there are any extreme requirements, you will want to know them before you head out to the course.
Showing up without the proper attire may require you to purchase an entirely new outfit at the club, and this will be expensive.
Keep in mind that the dress code requirements for dinner at a country club can be different from the requirements for golf.
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