Is it me or is the dress code...

Depends on the course. No collar golf shirts (mock turtles) have come into style but most courses I play do not allow jeans or jogging shorts.

I've read where many Clubs are now relaxing the dress code for the Clubhouse and other grounds, some even allowing jeans in certain parts. I suppose this is in deference to the "new" generation. It may have it's play, and you don't always necessarily need a jacket for dinner. I haven't seen relaxation of the on course attire rules much. I hope it doesn't lead us down the path to "muni" golf. I do not say that as any type of snob, but this was always supposed to be a "gentleman's" game, (and ladies), where you police and call penalties on yourself. For generations I believe it has taken folks from all walks of life and helped them learn how to conduct themselves in all proper walks of life and how to treat others, with decorum and proper respect, whether you came from privilege or project. I hope we never lose that. Golf has been a great equalizer. Who cares who you are or how much you've got, as long as you enjoy the game and make the group good.

Adding to Tom B's comments. one of the fastest growing parts of golf are the indoor simulators and outdoor facilities like Top Golf. Much more of a party atmosphere and can be considered to be more fun where you can kick back and simulate a round of golf or play games in an hour or so. More interest in the game but can siphon off from playing 4-5 hour rounds on course. When going on course, the integrity of self-imposed penalties and respecting another's privilege for shot-making (not moving or otherwise trying to distract them) may be lost from the party atmosphere developed at the simulated ranges. I hope 1st Tee and PGA-sponsored teaching classes can continue to encourage time-honored on-course manners/decorum.

I came in late to golf and my dad had always stressed to be properly dressed for golf. Over time, we have witnessed how people have changed their dressing on the course. Other people may or may not say something to someone out of place, but we leave it up to the pro and staff to handle those things. I play in many types of golf courses, but the dress code thing for golf remains on each of them.

One of the first things I liked in golf was how the pros carried themselves on the course. It was as simple as to tuck a shirt in. I think it's encouraging.

I agree it seems to be getting relaxed

The excuse is that these rules are pushing youngsters away from the game.

I don’t agree , the younger generation need to wind their neck in and follow the rules

Grumpy old man signing out

As a youngish/newish golfer also with young kids who are golfers, I would say that the dress codes played a big part of the reason we joined our club last year.

The club has a relaxed dress code for the clubhouse (jeans and t-shirts ok) which really helps our family feel comfortable, relaxed, and makes it a more natural environment to socialize... which, IMO, is the entire point of a country club. The dress code for the course, however, is still fairly strict which I also enjoy. No denim, no backward facing hats, collared shirts only, etc.. really helps to celebrate and reinforce the integrity of the game for me.

It is weird that the dress code on the course is more strict than that off the course, but it makes a lot of sense. They don’t scare younger families like ours away by having the appearance of being “snobbish” while at the same time creating an atmosphere of professionalism and seriousness about the game. With the foul language, grungy dress, and general lack of respect for the course and the game found at some of the local municipal courses around here, the more traditional/respectful atmosphere of the CC is MORE inviting as a young family.

If a player is in violation of a dress code then it can be difficult for some courses to not allow that player to play. Greens fees help pay the bills. I hope the front counter people do tell the players that what they are currently wearing is not up to code but I know confronting a customer is a tricky thing. Other courses just don't care...show them the money!!!

Here at PGA GC, It's no denim, collared shirt or mock neck. Also, no hats in the members dining room ( You can wear them in the Taplow Pub ) The only thing that they don't enforce is tucking in shirts, which I don't agree with. I don't even go to hit balls on the range without tucking my shirt in.

Folks need to listen to Ben Hogan's theory.. Dress like want to play! Ive seen jean and a t-shirt at Torrey Pines.. Just shook my head, even though its a Muni, show some respect. At the local driving range, I guess it's okay!

On the fence a bit here - some of the materials now accepted as OK golf apparel used to be considered only suitable for track suits... Suppose that's progress... well. progress of a sort.
Can't even imagine the idea of jeans (with or without ripped knees) on a golf course.
JT

Boy we've got some good folks here at TT don't we? Great posts everyone, and nice that we're all on the same page.

My club allows designer jeans w dress shoes in certain rooms of the club. Ball room/Dining Room is dress w/ the exception of an overflow from say, the grille room, on certain days, during certain times.

When I’m playing at the club, I expect people to follow code. When I’m on public courses, I couldn’t care less what others are playing in.

The bigger issue to me is the idiots driving around with their phones playing music!

I don’t consider myself a golf snob in any way
A big part of putting on my golf “kit” is to get into the mindset that I am going to play my favourite game with the right attitude
Just like most other competitive sports you dress appropriately and getting ready to play still gives me that adrenaline rush .....the same rush I got playing football, cycle rides, athletics and watching my children play Rugby and Rowing with that wide eyed excitement and same buzz was a proud time
If the younger generation don’t yet feel the same way, chances are they will eventually, as golf becomes a bigger part of their lives
We should never feel the need to discard the great traditions of the game but try to improve the game for future generations to enjoy as we do

I guess it's just the way society is headed, down the wrong path. Anymore everyone has a right to do whatever they want. Shameful.

I've heard the debate from both sides...

It not asking much for new comers to dress slightly better. Golf clothes are so comfortable now, I'd rather wear them over mostly everything else.

Put the blame where it belongs...on the courses who allow it.....guess it is easier to enforce at private clubs but a semi private and public courses it is more about the revenue and more relaxed......be interested to see what happens when municipal golf courses go smoke free......it's coming....

I have always thought of the adage “dress well, play well.” I love the fact that golf encourages a higher level of class than most other sports. If people don’t care for the decorum aspect of golf, then there are plenty of other ways that I’d prefer that they spend their time.

That being said, even though I fall on the side of being well dressed on a golf course, I think relaxing other norms (like listening to music in the golf cart) is a great way to blend high level golf with a more inviting and relatable atmosphere.

As with most things, it’s about being courteous and respectful. If I’m the only one in sight, I might be playing tunes louder than I would if there are other groups in close proximity.

So far, my course still requires collared shirts. I can't even fathom jeans being considered as being appropriate.

Not even the public courses in Miami are relaxing their dress codes. No denim, no sleeveless shirts for men. No collarless shirts, at least that aren't originally intended for golf in the first place. No bare midriff for women. No jogging shorts. Like some of you mentioned, untucked shirts are as slack as they get.

Personally, I even played golf in long slacks until around 5 years ago.

As long as you don’t look like a slob then I don’t care if you wear jeans. I think golf pants are way more comfortable so I don’t know why you wouldn’t wear them. You should always have a nice golf shirt on collar or not as long as its something a pga pro wears.

When your playing golf you should have golf clothes on. I don’t care if the shirt doesn’t have a collar as long as it’s a golf shirt. No jeans, golf pants are way more comfortable anyways. Not sure why anyone would pick jeans over golf pants.