How to Dress for Golf

Golf is a game where fashion makes an impact. Clearly, players are known to put together outfits that can be quite striking. Some golfers go to the extreme and wear clothes that are quite garish. But more than that, golf clothes have to be functional. It's fun to put on a golf shirt and shorts and play 18 on a beautiful summer day. But golfers have to make contingencies when weather conditions are less than ideal.

Step 1: Dress for the weather. If it is cold and windy, long pants and a sweater may be appropriate clothes. However, pants should never be tight fitting and the sweater should not inhibit movement. Even great golfers have trouble playing in the wind, so stay as comfortable as possible when playing in tough conditions. It's important to have a rain poncho to put over your clothes, because matches continue in the rain until the first lightning strike or thunder, and you may be out there for quite a while with the wet stuff coming down. On hot summer days or any day when the sun is shining, wear a hat to keep your head shaded.

Step 2: Make a statement with your dress on the course. Great golfers like to look the part and are known for their signature outfits. Tiger Woods, for example, always wears a red shirt during the final round of any tournament. A collared shirt is a requirement for most golf clubs. It's not snobby, but out of respect for your fellow players.

Step 3: Wearing a glove is a fashion statement for some golfers, but it is considered a necessity for a large majority of players who play regularly. A glove helps keep your grip on the club without any slippage. Usually, right-handed players wear the glove on their left hand. Some golfers take it off for putting, while others leave it on.

Step 4: Wear the proper shoes on the golf course. Even though you are standing still when you strike your shot, you can easily slip coming through the ball with your downswing and follow-through. Spiked shoes help avoid this slippage. In a bygone era, all spikes were metal and while they helped keep your footing, they also left marks on the green and delicate spots on the fairway. Now spikes are softer but they still help you keep your footing.