Proper Golf Attire For Women: The Dress Code On The Course
Welcome to your guide on female golf attire. While dress codes for golfers can vary by course, they are often influenced by factors like the cost of green’s fees - the pricier the course, the stricter the dress policy.
Many municipal courses, typically owned and operated by the government entities such as the parks department, don’t enforce dress codes.
Even if there is no rule for what is considered proper golf attire, there is an unspoken etiquette to help maintain the game’s long-standing traditions.
By adhering to the basic guidelines we’ll detail in this post, you can be confident wearing golf attire for women that is similar to our suggestions below.
If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check on their website first. Some places are more lenient, such as many par 3 courses.
Proper Golf Attire For Women
Knowing what to get when shopping for women’s golf clothes can be confusing. For some golfers, it’s as hard as trying to decide on the best golf clubs to buy. You’ll want to choose outfits that are comfortable and functional, while following the common guidelines for what is appropriate to wear.
Playing golf involves a lot of swinging your arms and walking around outdoors. It can get hot on the course when you’re carrying your golf bag which means you’ll want to wear lightweight and breathable fabrics. Choose golfers apparel that fits well and allows you to move freely.
Tops
At most courses, women are asked to wear a blouse with sleeves or a collared shirt. Shirts with collars can be sleeveless (some golf courses with stricter policies won’t allow sleeveless shirts), long or short-sleeved. Turtlenecks are also widely accepted.
Polo shirts are very popular since they are acceptable attire and comfortable to play in. Polos come in a variety of colors, they can be button-down, v-neck, or zip-top, and come in both short and long sleeves.
What not to wear:
T-shirts
Halter tops
Tank tops
Strapless tops
No racerbacks unless they have a mock or regular collar
Plunging necklines are not allowed
On colder days, it’s common for women to wear layers. A sweater or vest over a turtleneck or polo shirt are stylish and popular choices.
Make sure not to wear something like a jean jacket or hoodie since those would be considered inappropriate. A weatherproof jacket is also fine, just make sure it fits well so it doesn’t interfere with your swing.
Bottoms
There are several different options for bottoms. Skirts, shorts, skorts, capris, and pants are all common for ladies to wear on the golf course. Some golfers prefer to have belt loops so they can clip their golf towel to them.
Skirts
Some stricter golf clubs will say skirts must be just below the knee. Other places are OK with skirts that are a few inches above the knee, as long as you are respectfully covered. Avoid anything too short and you should be fine.
Shorts
Just like with skirts, shorts that are too short are commonly considered inappropriate and should be avoided.
Skorts
A skort is a skirt with shorts built into the fabric underneath. The same standards apply to length as with shorts and skirts.
Pants
Capri and ankle-length pants are commonly worn. Avoid wearing pants that are too long or too baggy.
Need a laugh? Here’s a popular golf joke:
Q: Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?
A: In case she got a hole in one.
What not to wear:
Jeans
Joggers
Athletic pants
Sweatpants
Leggings are not allowed unless under a skort or shorts
Any skirt, skort, or shorts that are short enough to see your bottom area (even if covered by under shorts) at any time, standing or bent over
Golf Dresses
Golf dresses are a newer trend. They are made with fabric that stretches to give you a full range of motion that also keeps you cool and comfortable.
Hats & Visors
There’s no requirement to wear a head covering but you’ll want to be protected from the sun while you’re outside on the golf course. A hat or visor will also help keep the sun out of your eyes.
Crocheted caps, straw hats, and designer caps are all popular choices. You can also bring along a pair of polarized sunglasses.
Shoes & Socks
Golf shoes with non-metal (soft) spikes are required on most golf courses. These are designed to give grip when you’re playing a shot. You’ll also need to wear socks.
Low or no-show socks are most popular unless you’re wearing pants, then you can wear crew socks that match the color of your pants.
What not to wear:
Flip flops
Sandals
Boots
Heels
Gloves
To help with your grip and avoid calluses or blisters on your hands, you should wear a golf glove. Most players wear one glove but some people do wear two.
For right-handed golfers, you would wear a glove on your left hand. If you’re a left-handed golfer, you would wear a glove on your right hand.
Remember, your goal is to be comfortable while wearing clothes and accessories that will enable you to move properly so you can play your best golf game. Leave any long pieces of jewelry that could interfere with how you play at home.
If you want to wear a watch to keep track of the time, a sweatproof/waterproof watch would be the best option.
For more information, read about what is unacceptable to wear in the LPGA’s updated dress code guidelines from 2017.
