If you’re a new golfer, you might be wondering what to wear to golf if you don’t have golf clothes.
PHOTO: Britt is wearing an exercise t-shirt and Anne is wearing a windbreaker.
I get it - there are many reasons you might not have golf clothes. Maybe you don’t have time to go shopping, haven’t done laundry in a while, or you’re new to golf and don’t want to commit to an expensive new golf outfit.
I also know that golf can feel intimidating. Likely you’ve heard about golf dress codes and strict golf etiquette, and on top of that, women’s dress codes can sometimes feel like a trap. Clothes should help you stay comfy, cool, and dry on the course. Clothes should not be a barrier to entry for golf!
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PHOTO: Anna is wearing a white H&M ribbed tank, and an athletic skort she found at a thrift shop in this picture-perfect golf outfit.
Don’t worry! But unless you’re playing somewhere quite fancy (like the members-only golf and country clubs you see in movies), you can easily and quickly put together a great golf outfit using what you already have in your closet. This blog will help you dress for your next (your first?) round at a municipal or public course.
Here’s a quick list of what to wear to golf if you don’t have golf clothes if you need answers FAST:
TOPS TO WEAR GOLFING
Plain t-shirt
Plain sweatshirt
Stretchy blouse
Athletic zip-up
Cardigan
Windbreaker
TOPS TO AVOID ON THE GOLF COURSE
Tank tops (nothing with thin or spaghetti straps)
Low-cut tops
Tops with no stretch
Super baggy tops
PHOTO: Melissa is wearing Old Navy Pixie Chino Ankle Pants, a very affordable, comfortable option that doubles as work pants!
BOTTOMS TO WEAR GOLFING
Chinos / slacks
Leggings (stick with a dark colour like black or navy)
Stretchy dress pants
Capris
Bermuda shorts
Skirts
BOTTOMS TO AVOID ON THE GOLF COURSE
Jeans (just no. Even if a course says denim is OK, don't do it. Nobody likes exercising in jeans.)
Cutoffs
Baggy soccer/basketball style shorts
Skirts without shorts underneath (you’re going to be bending down a lot to pick up your ball…)
Skirts shorter than mid-thigh (again, you’re going to be bending down a lot…)
Un-hemmed pants
SHOES TO WEAR GOLFING
Sneakers
SHOES TO AVOID ON THE GOLF COURSE
Boots
Flip flops
Steel spiked golf shoes (most courses don’t like those!)
Other tips: if you have tennis clothes, you have golf clothes! Many of my skirts and shirts are tennis skirts and shirts, and they double as excellent golf attire. You can also wear a golf dress, think something stretchy, not too short, and fitted enough it doesn't flap around you. And lastly, since this is a Gals Who Golf blog, I assume you own at least one plain t-shirt and one pair of leggings. Here are the answers to your burning questions:
Can I wear a t-shirt to golf?
Yes, you can wear a t-shirt to golf! Many people might think you need to wear a collared shirt to golf, but, most of the time, you don’t!
Unless you’re playing at a fancy course, most municipal (owned by the city) and public golf courses aren’t going to bat an eye that you’ve shown up in a t-shirt. I recommend choosing a clean, plain crew-neck or v-neck for a polished look. Make sure the shirt allows for movement. Workout t-shirts or long sleeve tops are crucial as the stretch will allow for a full range of motion. Try not to wear anything too tight, but at the same time, baggy clothes will billow out in the wind, which is annoying when you’re trying to play.
Can I wear leggings to golf?
Yes, you can wear leggings to golf! (I think I just heard women cheering everywhere, and old-fashioned golf guys sighing.) Am I the voice of a new generation of golfers? I wish – I’m just a humble blogger telling you that golf is adapting, loosening up, and becoming more accessible by doing things like letting us wear leggings. I have been to many a driving range where men and women are happily driving and chipping away in leggings and sweatpants. Sure, the driving range is more casual than the actual course, but like the humble t-shirt, most municipal and public golf courses will allow leggings.
Choose a staple black or navy pair if you decide to wear leggings on the golf course.
Here's Dani playing in the rain, in a t-shirt and leggings! I told you it could be done!
Final Advice On What To Wear Golfing When You Don’t Have Golf Clothes:
To avoid any unnecessary anxiety, I recommend checking the specific golf course’s website or giving them a quick call to see if they have a dress code. A great website, www.golf-info-guide.com, will provide you with the course’s rules, including the dress code policy.
I did a few quick searches for Vancouver Island golf courses I’ve played recently, and here are their dress codes:
Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club: collared shirt, no cutoffs, denim OK Cottonwood Golf Course: No tank tops or cutoffs Fairwinds Golf Course: No tank tops or cutoffs Winchelsea View Golf Course: No dress code
Not so scary, right? Golf is supposed to be fun, not scary, so get dressed and get out there!