If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet before a round, wondering what’s actually okay to wear out there, you’re in good company. It’s one of the most common questions golfers have in their early rounds.
I’m Gurdy, and I’ll walk you through it from the first tee to the last putt. You’ll learn a few easy rules that work at any course, so you can spend less time on your outfit and more time enjoying the round.
Golf fashion: friendlier than you think
Most golf courses just want you to look like you came to play. That means no denim, no flip-flops, and on some courses, a collared shirt. Beyond that, the choices are yours.
Women’s golf fashion has actually gotten good. More colors, better fabrics, shoes you’d wear off the course too. The sport is more welcoming than it used to be, and the clothes have kept up. Whatever your style, there’s a look that works for you.
Polo and skort: still the classic move
The polo shirt and skort combo is the most common women’s golf outfit on the course, and there’s a good reason for that. A polo (a shirt with a collar and short sleeves) satisfies the dress code at almost any course. A skort (a skirt with built-in shorts underneath) moves freely through a full swing and keeps everything where it belongs.
Look for moisture-wicking fabric if you’re playing in summer. Cotton looks fine but traps heat. Most women’s golf brands make lightweight stretch polos and skorts designed for 18 holes in the sun. Pair colors you like and you’re done.
One tip: the skort length matters at some clubs. Aim for mid-thigh or longer to stay course-legal everywhere.
Golf shorts and a performance top
Not a skort person? Golf shorts work just as well. Look for a fitted cut that hits around mid-thigh, in a stretch or performance fabric. Pair with a polo or a fitted athletic top.
This is the move for hot days when you want airflow and full range of motion. Some women’s golf shorts have pockets. Gurdy strongly endorses pockets.
A note on tops: tank tops are allowed on some courses, not all. If you’re not sure about the dress code, a polo or a fitted short-sleeve shirt covers you at any course.
Pants and joggers for cooler mornings
Early tee times and fall rounds call for something on your legs. Golf pants or slim athletic joggers in a performance fabric are the right call. Pair with a polo or a lightweight quarter-zip pullover.
Look for a “stretch” or “performance” label when you shop. Golf involves a lot of rotating. Stiff pants make the whole thing harder. A slim fit looks neat on the course without restricting anything.
Cold weather golfing: how to layer
Cold doesn’t have to mean no golf. It means more layers. Here’s what works:
- Base layer: a long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt or thermal top
- Mid layer: a fleece pullover or a lightweight vest (a vest keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free to swing)
- Outer layer: a wind-resistant or water-resistant golf jacket
The goal is thin, warm layers rather than one thick layer. A big puffy coat might feel cozy, but it’ll mess with your swing. Slim, packable jackets are built for exactly this situation.
Cold-weather extras that make a real difference: a beanie or ear warmer, hand warmers in your bag, and a glove on each hand instead of just the lead hand. That’s the hand on the grip side
Spectator outfits for golf tournaments
Watching a tournament means a full day on your feet, mostly on grass, often in the sun. Comfort is the job here. A solid spectator outfit includes:
- Comfortable walking shoes or supportive sneakers
- Athletic shorts, golf shorts, or casual pants
- A lightweight top, polo, or simple blouse
- A hat or visor for sun coverage
- A light cardigan or pullover for shaded areas
There’s no formal dress code for most public tournaments. Think: comfortable outdoor event, not a restaurant. You’ll walk more than you expect, so the shoes matter most.
Major tournaments: the Masters, US Open, and LIV events
Tournaments like the Masters at Augusta National and the US Open bring a slightly more polished crowd. You don’t need formal clothes, but the vibe is a step above purely casual. Here’s what fits in:
- Nice walking sneakers, loafers, or comfortable low heels if you can actually walk in them all day
- Neat shorts, a skirt, or tailored pants
- A blouse, polo, or fitted top
- A light jacket or cardigan
Skip the athletic gear that reads as pure gym wear. A clean, put-together casual look is exactly right. The Masters, in particular, has a warm, classic feel to the crowd. Pastels and khaki are popular for a reason.
What shoes to wear golfing
Golf shoes have soft rubber spikes or a spikeless textured sole to grip the turf without tearing it up. They make a real difference on hilly terrain or wet grass, especially early in the morning when the course is still damp.
If you’re playing regularly, a pair of women’s golf shoes is worth it. Most are comfortable enough to walk 18 holes without complaint.
No golf shoes yet? Most courses allow:
- Sneakers with flat or minimal soles
- Athletic shoes without cleats or spikes
What to leave at home: sandals, flip-flops, heels, and bare feet. Yes, all of these have been attempted. Closed-toe shoes with some grip are the standard.
What to wear golfing for the first time
New to the course and your closet has zero golf clothes? That’s fine. Most public and casual courses are relaxed about first-timers. Here’s what works without buying anything new:
- Athletic shorts or fitted fitness pants (not baggy)
- A fitted athletic top, a casual polo, or a plain button-up shirt
- Sneakers with flat soles and some traction
The main things courses care about: collared shirts on some courses (not all), no denim, no tank tops at stricter clubs. Check the course’s website before you go. Most post their dress code and most are very reasonable.
You can play a full round, fall in love with the game, and then get the proper gear. Gurdy did not come out of the factory wearing a polo. Well, technically Gurdy is a golf ball, so the polo came later. But the point stands.
Gear up and get out there
Here’s what I’ve learned: when you feel good in what you’re wearing, you stop thinking about it. That’s the whole point. The right outfit keeps you comfortable and out of your own head, so you can focus on the fun part, chasing that birdie. One stroke under par. The best feeling in golf, I promise you.
But the outfit was never really the main event. You are. So pick the look that feels like you, lace up, and go play. The course is waiting, and I’ll see you out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do women need a collared shirt to golf?
Many courses require a collared shirt, like a polo, but not all of them do. Public and casual courses often just ask for neat athletic attire. Private clubs tend to be stricter. Check your specific course’s dress code before your round. When in doubt, a polo works everywhere and satisfies any dress code you’re likely to encounter on a casual outing.
What is a skort and do I need one for golf?
A skort is a skirt with built-in shorts underneath. It’s one of the most popular bottoms in women’s golf because it looks neat, moves freely, and stays in place through a full swing. You don’t need one to play. Golf shorts or pants work just as well. But if you’re shopping for your first women’s golf outfit, a skort is a great starting point.
Which hand does the golf glove go on?
The golf glove goes on your lead hand, which is your non-dominant hand. Right-handed golfers wear it on the left hand. Left-handed golfers wear it on the right. The lead hand sits closest to the top of the grip and does most of the work in the swing. In cold weather, it’s fine to wear gloves on both hands.
Can I wear leggings golfing?
Fitted athletic leggings are allowed at many courses, especially in cooler weather. At private or traditional clubs, golf pants are the safer choice. If you’re heading to a public course or a casual round, leggings are usually no problem. Check the course’s dress code page or call the pro shop if you want to be sure before you go.
What should I wear to a golf simulator or driving range?
Both are very casual settings with no dress code. Athletic wear, jeans, and casual clothes all work fine. Comfort and range of motion matter more than what you’re wearing. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea at a driving range since golf balls roll around the turf mats. At a simulator, pretty much anything goes.