The dress code in golf is a major point of contention for many players, as they don’t always want to abide by the rules of the green. We don’t have as strict a dress code for other casual sports, so where did this one come from? We’ve been researching the history of the dress code and have all our findings here for you!
The Origins of the Game
We all know that golf came from Scotland, as the upper classes created the complex game using variations of different games. The sport was created in the early 1400s, though it was later outlawed by the king. This was because he felt that the population were spending too much time playing golf and not enough time practicing their military skills.
When the ban ended, golf came back into play and was enjoyed by the richest in society. As it was something of an elitist sport, courses began to introduce dress codes to keep their courses for only those that could afford the clothing.
Clubhouses also started to instate a dress code for those that wanted to dine. This would include a shirt and possibly a suit jacket too. These dress codes were common in upmarket restaurants at the time, so this was another attempt to ensure that these clubhouses looked like they were for the elite.
Changes to the Dress Code
Shirts for golf have changed a lot over the years, as traditionally they would have collars and even ruffs for the older styles. Now golf shirts are a lot more modern, with companies like Nike even creating collarless versions. These are still permitted by many clubhouses, though more traditional ones may caution players for being too casual.
Women also have to follow a dress code, though their clothes tend to be a bit brighter and more patterned. There have been changes to this code over the last few years, which have been brought in to tackle leggings and yoga pants – as these have been deemed unsuitable for the green.
The idea that a dress code makes the club look better and encourage players to be on their best behaviour has been around for a long time. In recent years, many professional golfers have spoken out on the dress code, as they believe that players should be able to wear what they want as long as it doesn’t affect their game. With business wear also changing to become more casual, our perception of smart clothing is also changing as time goes on.
There are some private clubs without a dress code, as they think that players are able to decide to wear what they like. This is something that will likely never change in traditional clubs or in professional competition. Many club owners adhere to traditional values and believe that a lax dress code will only lead to problems on the green.
Although we may not always agree with a dress code for golf, it does have a rich and storied history.
