Majority of golfers don't want clubs to relax dress codes

There is a sense among non-golfers that it is a game full of stuffed shirts who play the game in plus-fours, shirt, tie and a diamond-patterned Pringle jumper.

I am here to tell you that my grandfather, who was an exceptional golfer, was still wearing plus-fours and a shirt and tie in the 1970s because that was the attire with which he grew up.

Many existing golfers may feel that it is time to relax the dress code but that’s not what you told us when we asked you:  "Should more golf clubs relax their dress codes?"

Should Dress Codes at Golf Clubs Be Relaxed?

I have to make my own position clear right from the start. I believe the answer to the question should be "Yes". I find it odd, to say the least, that I can wear a pair of bright orange trousers costing £20 to play golf and yet I am not allowed to do so while wearing a £100 pair of jeans or denim shorts. It defies belief to me that the pros can wear collarless tops but when we try to do the same thing we are shown the door at some places.

And why, on a scorching hot day, are we forced to tuck our polo tops into our trousers? And please don’t get me started on the golf clubs that insist that if we wear shorts then we also have to sport knee-length socks. It is an utter nonsense.

But it seems that I am in a very small minority because the vast majority of you believe that things should be left as they are.

Majority of Golfers Don't Want Further Change

Our post on Facebook saw more than 500 of you against change - around 72% of you said no, with only about 8% of respondents in favour of change.

There was also a "mixed" group of responses who wanted to maintain standards on the course but called for more relaxed standards in the clubhouse as well as calling for improved behaviour on the course.

This is an interesting one. When I am not playing I frequently go to the clubhouse at my club while wearing jeans and a collarless top and nobody bats an eyelid - and that’s the way it should be. I have experienced clubs where they insist upon a shirt and tie in the main lounge and you are consigned to the spike bar even if you are wearing golf clothing. In this day and age, that is patently absurd.

It seems that you agree, with most of you saying that dress codes have already been relaxed.

Dress Codes Were Once Very Different at Most Courses

Here’s a few examples of your views on this one:

"It's fairly relaxed at most places. Compared to 20 or 30 years ago you can pretty much wear anything you want outside of jeans and sports tops."

"Most clubs I play have sensible dress codes."

"Just about every course now has a relaxed dress code."

"On the course no, in the club yes."

"On the course, collar shirts and tailored shorts or trousers. In the clubhouse they should be more relaxed and encourage people to stay for a drink or some food."

"In the clubhouse, yes! Golf clubs need revenue."

"Not on course, but in clubhouse especially when they have two areas, have one area with relaxed rules, yes."

Course Etiquette is More Important Than What You Wear

And I would also agree that the standard of behaviour at many courses leaves something to be desired. At resort courses in particular, we regularly get stuck behind large groups who are clearly more interested in drinking copious amounts of alcohol than playing golf - and have absolutely no clue about etiquette. They don’t rake bunkers, they don’t replace divots, they don’t repair pitch marks and they never wave through quicker groups. Please don’t get me started on the language we routinely hear!

Your views coincide with mine:

"Your behaviour is more important than the clothes."

"Don't care what people wear as long as they have a good time."

"They can wear mankinis and Doc Martin boots as long as they rake bunkers, replace divots and repair pitch marks."

"Would you rather have someone who follows dress code to the letter and plays slow or someone who dresses for comfort and plays quickly..."

Does Tradition Still Have a Place in Golf?

Many of you believe dress codes are part of what makes golf different from other sports.

Here are just a few of your comments:

"Dressing appropriately is part of golf etiquette."

"Dress code represents standards and that is part of the game."

"It's all about standards and the dress code is part of it."

"The history and etiquette add to the sport."

"Golf is a sport of tradition, let’s keep it that way."

Golf Clothing Has Changed

Generally speaking, there is an acceptance that golf clothing has changed. We have seen the likes of Tyrrell Hatton wearing a hoodie and I possess two of them for use in cold weather. There was a time, not so long ago, that they were frowned upon. No longer, it seems:

"Golf attire on the course includes hoodies and turtle neck shirts."

"Our courses are more relaxed. I always wear appropriate golf attire. I wear appropriate hoodies on cold days and think all courses should allow them."

"Not that long ago I couldn't buy a hoodie from golf retailers. Next thing they are being worn on tour and now they're fine."

Would Further Change Attract Younger Golfers?

I have always believed that relaxing the dress code and not banning the use of mobile phones on the course would help to attract younger golfers. Walk through any village, town or city centre and just about every teenager will be wearing jeans - what on earth is wrong with letting them also wear them on the course?

A number of you agree. Here are some of your views: 

"Golf needs to move with the times, clubs are struggling for members so let’s make everyone welcome."

"Evolution - adapt with the times. Jurassic attitudes killing the opportunity."

"If the club wants to survive, yes, should be optional and in good taste."

"What's the average age of members at your club. Probably 50+."

In conclusion, you clearly do not want golf clubs to significantly relax dress codes. But you are not asking for a return to strict Victorian-style rules either. The prevailing view is that today's dress codes are already fairly relaxed, modern golf apparel is widely accepted, clubs should prioritise behaviour and etiquette, and any additional relaxation should be limited mainly to the clubhouse rather than the golf course itself.