Look Great On and Off the Golf Course

Golf is a game of tradition, and the clothing that you wear in the course says a lot about your personality. While yesterday's golf clothing tended to focus solely on its ability to help you perform well on the course, today's clothing also factors style into the equation. The clothes you wear should help you perform on the course, but they should also be stylish enough for you to wear them around the clubhouse and the office without any worries.

Are Golf Players Really Out of Style?

Golf is a sport with a rich history, with some saying that it has its roots in Ancient Rome and in China as far back as the first century BC. It was in the Scottish highlands, however, that modern golf has begun, and the apparel for the game had reflected the fashion during that time: tight short pants with various colors and patterns and tweed jackets.

The Far from-Static Story of Golf Apparel

A polo shirt and a pair of slacks qualify as golf apparel, mostly because golf is a low-intensity sport. Compared to basketball and baseball, golf doesn't require rigorous physical activity other than swinging the club. You may break a sweat during a game from the heat or from intense mental concentration, but not necessarily through physical exertion.

The only thing that limits your choice of golf apparel is the dress code. During the early 1900s, country clubs were very particular about proper dress code for guests and members. Knickers, for example, were prevalent at golf courses at the time but were shunned by country clubs. These places obliged players and spectators to come in more formal wear, particularly the collared shirt.

Looking Good on the Green: Choosing Golf Apparel

When you’re out golfing, you’ll want to wear clothes that are comfortable and practical. It wouldn’t hurt if they look great on you, too. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when picking your golf outfit:

• Shirts and Jackets. Most of the time, golfers settle for shirts. If the weather is cold though, jackets and sweaters are often tossed on to add some warmth. The main thing that golfers look for in these two is flexibility since swinging your golf club properly requires a wide range of motion (which is why many golfers go for short-sleeve shirts). Of course, the biggest test for your shirt is actually wearing it and taking a swing. Cotton is usually the preferred material since it is both warm and comfortable. You should avoid silk-like materials since those are for more formal settings than the field.