Golf Courses with Dress Codes

[DukeOfChinoHills]

Please weigh-in and let me know how you feel about golf courses or clubs with dress codes. Here's why I ask: there's this guy on Instagram (who I don't follow) posts videos of his horrible golf swing. Today he posted one while on the driving range wearing short workout shorts, a tank-top, and a beanie (it's 60-65 degrees today). His description said he had just finished at the gym prior to the driving range. The course he was at HAS a dress-code but obviously didn't enforce it. I used to work at multiple courses here in SoCal and from time to time had to ask people to put on a collar shirt if they showed up in tank-tops. Both this guy, and the course employees are to blame (in my opinion).

 

I know I know a lot of high-end facilities are becoming more casual these days as times change and clubs need to attract younger members to join. However, this course he was at is a mid-level daily fee public course with a posted dress-code. If you worked at a course, what would someone have to be wearing before you refused to sell them range balls or let them out on a golf course until they were dressed properly?

[knock it close]

I have worked at a course and yes I have told people they couldn't play/go to the range if they weren't dressed appropriately. Range we were more lenient on but we still turned some people away.

[dogleg0425]

I am in full support of dress codes. Let " younger" players learn that a little " class" can open otherwise shut doors. Also, without rules only chaos can result. I remember going to my club on a warm day the week after Christmas ( Ohio). There were four cars in the lot and three were employees. I had on bluejeans ( its winter for goodness sake). The asst. pro asked me to cover my jeans with my rain pants as there was a rule against playing in jeans. My initial thought was that's just silly! However, upon second thought, I totally agreed that " rules are rules" and being December and 46 degrees should not negate the rule. I was not offended by his request.

I believe that one must take decisions to change rules or customs to the ultimate degree. Someone might think a tank top and inappropriate length shorts are OK for golf; then is a string bikini or speedos OK to wear to a funeral?

There is a club nearby where NO shorts are permitted. That club and course is a top 100 facility. Their club, their rules. I am quite sure that there will be those who will counter that no one has the right to dictate what another must not must not wear. I would tell them to build or buy their own course and make or NOT make any rules they please concerning dress.

[DTXgolfer12]

I'm all for the dress code. If you pay a ton of money to be a member at a course with some exclusivity why would you want to cheapen the experience by being around members in dirty jeans and t shirts?

Would you buy a luxury car from a dealership that ran out of a mobile home and a dirt parking lot?

[Forged4ever]

First, welcome to the board, it's great to have Ya

Secondly, I think that this is behind only "Blades vs. CB's" for causing rancor amongst the herd, lol

I do not normally give out unsolicited advice however I'm gonna go against that and say that with this kind of thread, which brings a few guys who will bring the socioeconomic factors into play and try to turn it into a class war, so just be aware and hope for the best and plan for the worst, because if you mediate and don't let the inflamatory posts and/or go unchecked, you'll have a nice thread and make the Mod's lives easier

As a member at a club, we have the standard country club dress code, ie., no jeans, cargo shorts, tennis shorts or shoes, bla bla, bla. We also did not permit shorts of any kind on males up till 4 years ago. I myself wear only slacks on the course as I have always patterned my dress over the two most influential males in my life, my former Teacher and also my former Head Pro.

I was also a partner in a driving range and as there was no dress code when we purchased the place, we didn't go overboard, with the only steadfast rule being that everyone had to have wear shoes and a shirt. Tank tops were fine, as were gym shorts or tennis.

It was a public driving range, not a private club's practice tee.

If you read some of my prior posts in this area, and really most of the areas in the game, I am conservative by nature and what I love about this game are the unique customs, traditions and mores that make it, in my opinion, the Greatest game on earth.

That being said, I do not approve of, nor have I ever tolerated any of the exclusionary "customs" that were a part of the game in the past-

My bottom line is that one should abide by the dress code and code of conduct that the facility that they are hitting at or playing out of has instituted....

I have and will continue to play whatever my role happens to be in abiding by and in some cases, enforcing those codes.

If you are asking me would I Play at or out of a course/club that allowed individuals to basically dress as they please, my answer is that I would not.

It's not my place to judge others, however I played football for 17 years and if I wanted to hang around peeps in gym shorts, cross trainers and no shirt, I'd go to my local playground or gym, not my local course/club.

I see, hear and feel a different attitude today and part of it is that a lot who pick up the game seem to have learned what little they do know about the game at their local Dick's or big box store regarding how they carry themselves-

I'm much more concerned with behavior than dress-

Those 5 mill that have left the game?

Not neeeeeearly enough!!

Just my .01 worth...

Take care Bro and enjoy the board, a lot of great peeps, starting with the guy who posted right above me

Have a Blessed Holiday Season!!

Fairways & Greens My Friend,
Richard

[BMC]

I work at a high end country club. The younger guys dress better than the 60 and 70 year old guys. It's not an age thing.

I'd say it's like dressing to go out to a restaurant. The nicer the place, the nicer you dress.

[nbg352]

What RP said.

[thurmdiesel]

There's one relatively famous club that requires a jacket and leather shoes on arrival and in the clubhouse, and bans all cell phones, but has no dress code otherwise. Members are commonly seen milling about wearing a blazer and wingtips with no socks, a pair of shorts, and a polo shirt. There is no dress code on the course and it's rumored that some players go shirtless when warm weather and sunlight beckon, but mostly you'll see the expected golf attire. I can't think of a cooler dress code - it's completely pretentious as written but made casual and unique by the club's special culture.

If a course has a dress code I'm all for enforcing it, but the onus should really be on the player to have a bit of decorum. The ideal situation is a private club or a public course with a strong playing culture where players feel compelled to self-police.

[knock it close]

[quote name='thurmdiesel' timestamp='1449873377' post='12709082']
There's one relatively famous club that requires a jacket and leather shoes on arrival and in the clubhouse, and bans all cell phones, but has no dress code otherwise. Members are commonly seen milling about wearing a blazer and wingtips with no socks, a pair of shorts, and a polo shirt. There is no dress code on the course and it's rumored that some players go shirtless when warm weather and sunlight beckon, but mostly you'll see the expected golf attire. I can't think of a cooler dress code - it's completely pretentious as written but made casual and unique by the club's special culture.

If a course has a dress code I'm all for enforcing it, but the onus should really be on the player to have a bit of decorum. The ideal situation is a private club or a public course with a strong playing culture where players feel compelled to self-police.
[/quote]I think I read an article about that. Men only track in the Chi area if I remember correctly?

[Forged4ever]

[quote name='thurmdiesel' timestamp='1449873377' post='12709082']
There is no dress code on the course and it's rumored that some players go shirtless when warm weather and sunlight beckon, but mostly you'll see the expected golf attire.
[/quote]Bro, it ain't a rumor, LMAO

If we're speaking of the same club, it's a fact and when a guy two groups in font of us pulled his shirt off and his caddie started applying sun tan lotion, I was almost blew my Pepsi out my nose, lmao. I'd heard that this occurred however until you actually see it, it's like, "nah, NFW!!"

YesFWay, lmao

And yea, I misspoke above where I said that I would not join a club where this occurred, lmao

In my medicated haze I forgot about this particular club, lol

It is the exception to the rule.

However I will say that this guy was the only guy that we saw shirtless and everyone we saw we dressed nicely, and yea, there were quite a few pairs of cargo shorts, however they were nice looking and not the real baggy low riders.

I did and would still wear slacks, lol

Extremely Well Played Bro!!

Have a very Merry Christmas My Friend

All the Best,
RP

[Forged4ever]

[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1449873981' post='12709116']
[quote name='thurmdiesel' timestamp='1449873377' post='12709082']
There's one relatively famous club that requires a jacket and leather shoes on arrival and in the clubhouse, and bans all cell phones, but has no dress code otherwise. Members are commonly seen milling about wearing a blazer and wingtips with no socks, a pair of shorts, and a polo shirt. There is no dress code on the course and it's rumored that some players go shirtless when warm weather and sunlight beckon, but mostly you'll see the expected golf attire. I can't think of a cooler dress code - it's completely pretentious as written but made casual and unique by the club's special culture.

If a course has a dress code I'm all for enforcing it, but the onus should really be on the player to have a bit of decorum. The ideal situation is a private club or a public course with a strong playing culture where players feel compelled to self-police.
[/quote]I think I read an article about that. Men only track in the Chi area if I remember correctly?
[/quote]Yeppers.......

They made Barbara Nicklaus wait out front and had a runner get something to Jack, lol

Fairways & Greens My Friend,
RP

[Wriggles]

Dress codes have a lot to do with the financial condition of the club. When I joined a very modest club in 1997, I was given a rule book with all kinds of do's and don'ts. No jeans, collars on shirts, etc. As time went on, and the club's financial condition declined, rules went by the wayside. Today, anything goes.

I've always worn long pants, and a collared shirt since I started golf fifty years ago. Some people point out, some guys in jeans and tank tops look more dressy than old guys in beat up khakis and frayed OCBDs. My late father, for example, was that type of guy. Although he was the most traditional in dress, he would wear my hand me down stuff. He looked better than I did in new clothes. He always had that casual, well dressed look wearing literally rags. He was the guy who could be painting a porch, and walk in somewhere and get compliments on his attire.

Anyhow, I personally don't care what people wear on the course, as long as they wear clothes that cover what should be covered.

[jerseyshoregolfer]

I agree completely with most. Golf is a game of class and players should dress and act that way. Golf is more than just a game, it teaches people how to act with class and respect.

[SadTrombone]

When I was 19, I went to florida to play a series of events. My uncle lived in The Villages and we went to a course so I could practice for a few hours. I wore shorts, a mock, shoes with soft spikes, and the traditional golf stuff (bag, glove, etc.). As I was working on my putting, the starter came up and told me I had to put on a collared shirt. He said, "It usually only applies when you're playing, but since you're younger we have to have you wear one at all times."

I apologized for the faux pas, went back home, put on a collared shirt, and went back to play. I knew the rule for on-course attire, but I also knew that for the putting green and practice tee, that rule was quite lax as I had seen several men that day in just plain t-shirts (not to mention a certain world number one had suddenly made the mock a "golf thing" again). However, if their rule is "younger" folks to wear a collared shirt at all times, my job is to comply or go elsewhere.

So yes, I support dress codes. Whatever it is, it's their right to institute and enforce, and your job to merely comply. Do I necessarily care what it is? Not really. If they told me I had to wear jeans, I wouldn't play there, but I'm just not comfortable enough in jeans to play golf. To each his own.

[acemandrake]

Dress codes are fine. Your club, your rules.

Now, about lack of basic golf etiquette.....

[4puttJohnny]

If you have a dress code, then enforce it. If it's not important enough to enforce it, then it's not important enough to have a dress code so get rid of any mention of it and let people wear what they want. Seems pretty simple.

[Geaux Gators]

[quote name='SadTrombone' timestamp='1450047821' post='12715994']
When I was 19, I went to florida to play a series of events. My uncle lived in The Villages and we went to a course so I could practice for a few hours. I wore shorts, a mock, shoes with soft spikes, and the traditional golf stuff (bag, glove, etc.). As I was working on my putting, the starter came up and told me I had to put on a collared shirt. He said, "It usually only applies when you're playing, but since you're younger we have to have you wear one at all times."

I apologized for the faux pas, went back home, put on a collared shirt, and went back to play. I knew the rule for on-course attire, but I also knew that for the putting green and practice tee, that rule was quite lax as I had seen several men that day in just plain t-shirts (not to mention a certain world number one had suddenly made the mock a "golf thing" again). However, if their rule is "younger" folks to wear a collared shirt at all times, my job is to comply or go elsewhere.

So yes, I support dress codes. Whatever it is, it's their right to institute and enforce, and your job to merely comply. Do I necessarily care what it is? Not really. If they told me I had to wear jeans, I wouldn't play there, but I'm just not comfortable enough in jeans to play golf. To each his own.
[/quote]

most places consider a mock to be a collared shirt

[4puttJohnny]

Was Tiger basically the person who helped mocks start meeting the standards of a "collared" shirt, or has that pretty much always been the case? I've always wondered.

[TheLarch]

This is just my opinion. I've belonged to four country clubs, three in Kentucky and one in Texas. All had dress codes. I just didn't enjoy the feeling of being in a club that placed such a degree of importance on appearance. It's one thing for a person to feel good about how they look. It's something else to feel another way about how someone else looks. Again, just my opinion.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='Ping Gator' timestamp='1450051094' post='12716218']
[quote name='SadTrombone' timestamp='1450047821' post='12715994']
When I was 19, I went to florida to play a series of events. My uncle lived in The Villages and we went to a course so I could practice for a few hours. I wore shorts, a mock, shoes with soft spikes, and the traditional golf stuff (bag, glove, etc.). As I was working on my putting, the starter came up and told me I had to put on a collared shirt. He said, "It usually only applies when you're playing, but since you're younger we have to have you wear one at all times."

I apologized for the faux pas, went back home, put on a collared shirt, and went back to play. I knew the rule for on-course attire, but I also knew that for the putting green and practice tee, that rule was quite lax as I had seen several men that day in just plain t-shirts (not to mention a certain world number one had suddenly made the mock a "golf thing" again). However, if their rule is "younger" folks to wear a collared shirt at all times, my job is to comply or go elsewhere.

So yes, I support dress codes. Whatever it is, it's their right to institute and enforce, and your job to merely comply. Do I necessarily care what it is? Not really. If they told me I had to wear jeans, I wouldn't play there, but I'm just not comfortable enough in jeans to play golf. To each his own.
[/quote]

most places consider a mock to be a collared shirt
[/quote]

I understand that. And at the same time, it wasn't my place to change, or attempt to change, their dress requirements. I was asked to change, so I did. Their course, their rules.

[quote name='4puttJohnny' timestamp='1450051331' post='12716238']
Was Tiger basically the person who helped mocks start meeting the standards of a "collared" shirt, or has that pretty much always been the case? I've always wondered.
[/quote]

Always? No. But he didn't invent it, by any means.

[Redbear90]

I currently work at a Public, city owned, daily fee course in Concord, NC. We do have a dress code, and we allow people to come out and play golf as long as they have a collared shirt of some kind that they are wearing. As for our driving range, as long as they are following range rules and guidelines, mat only/ irons only etc. it doesn't matter what they wear.

[cristphoto]

At our club a jacket is required in the main dining room. I recall one year a member brought his family and his adult son (who lived out of the area) to Thanksgiving dinner. The son actually showed up wearing a tee-shirt with an imprint of a tuxedo on it. When the son was asked to either change or leave the member became indignant. I recall when I became a member I had to go through an orientation (like all other members) of what was expected of me (and my family) and what we were to expect of the club and its staff. This member was clearly out of line.

[rsj1360]

Dress codes are one of the reasons I would never join a private club.

[DukeOfChinoHills]

I've been pleasantly surprised with most responses in support of dress codes. I think it's fairly straightforward...if you have a dress code, ENFORCE IT! If you don't want your facility to have one, then don't. But having one and not enforcing it is confusing.

[kiddoc]

[quote name='rsj1360' timestamp='1450116927' post='12719216']
Dress codes are one of the reasons I would never join a private club.
[/quote]

Well, if you wear a collared shirt and at least "nice" shorts that are not jean or cargo on the range and course, you would not even have to read that part of the Membership Rules and Regs.

[caniac6]

A guy wearing jeans and a tee shirt has no affect on me. A guy ignoring cart rules, not fixing ball marks and divots does. Guys having temper tantrums, guys acting as if they own the course, also, are unacceptable. Behavior and etiquett are, imo, more important ways to show respect for the game and fellow players than, what is percieved as, proper dress. That being said, if a course has a dress code, I will dress accordingly.

[rsj1360]

[quote name='kiddoc' timestamp='1450122954' post='12719686']
[quote name='rsj1360' timestamp='1450116927' post='12719216']
Dress codes are one of the reasons I would never join a private club.
[/quote]

Well, if you wear a collared shirt and at least "nice" shorts that are not jean or cargo on the range and course, you would not even have to read that part of the Membership Rules and Regs.
[/quote]
I like wearing jeans or cargos.

[bazinky]

In my experience, people that don't conform to course dress codes are usually the worst offenders when it comes to basic etiquette and taking care of the course itself.

[sheppy335]

Being that i play at a public course i see all kinds of dress, i look and say good for my friend who owns it. Those people help pay the bills to keep him open and allow me to get my special privileges there so i don't mind. I dress how i want, i like to look nice when i play so that is how i dress, i will not put down or refuse to play if someone wants to wear jeans or take off his\her shirt.

If i am at a club that requires certain dress i will follow that rule, most of my golf attire fits in at 99% of the places and i have nice golf pants if they are needed.

Driving ranges if public i am happy if they have pants on, shirts are optional if place is cool with that attire. I usually go to a end spot with headphones on and hit. If the range is at a private club i will dress as needed.

I only worry about me, don't have time to worry about others.

[J_Birdie]

I hit the muni's in a wicking t-shirt and basketball shorts, I won't lie. But those are the days it is 100*. Mostly I will wear nice shorts and a polo, or pants and a polo. There's a club here where it's pants only, all year. Idk about all that in San Antonio.

I feel like it is pretty straightforward, if its a private club, and they have a code then you follow it or leave. If it's a public/muni course I feel like the code should be more lax. Close toed shoes and a shirt. No topless or anything like that.