Can you wear leggings to play golf? This is a question I received recently. The golf course dress code is a contentious issue. Many golfers cannot understand why they are forced to wear pants and polos but cannot wear jeans and a t-shirt.
Regarding female golfer’s dressing code, the standard golf attire is a skirt or shorts and a collared shirt. However, in recent years we have seen the rules relaxed to allow players to wear more comfortable golf gear. In this post, I will explain when leggings are permitted and when you need to follow tradition.
Speaking of golf apparel, we also answer the question of using a golf skirt vs tennis skirt to navigate the links.
Can Women Wear Leggings on The Golf Course?
Yes, women can wear leggings on a golf course, although in general it comes with conditions. Golf courses and tournaments determine the relevant dress code. Therefore, you are at their mercy. However, you do find tournaments and courses that allow ladies to wear leggings.
For example, in 2017, the LPGA affirmed that leggings are prohibited unless worn underneath shorts or a skirt. Therefore, professional lady golfers cannot sport leggings on their own.
At a local level, the guidelines are determined by your golf course or the provincial or state golf association.
Why Are Leggings Only Allowed Under Shorts Or A Skort?
Leggings are considered casual wear, a category of clothing that traditionalists have little time for. Using this golf gear on its own may detract from the formal appearance golf courses and golf associations wish to uphold.
Women’s Dress Code at Most Golf Courses
Municipal Golf Courses
Admittedly, there are golf courses with an unbothered approach to your dress sense. These are usually in the form of Municipal golf courses, where the green fees are highly affordable, and everybody is welcome.
Although numerous exceptional golf courses exist worldwide, some are neglected on the maintenance front.
Course conditions aside, municipal layouts may sometimes permit wearing leggings, t-shirts, and denim. As laid back as they are, do not expect to get away with using sandals or flip-flops. They still enforce some respectability. As a result, golf shoes or sneakers are required.
Country Clubs
Country Clubs are sticklers for the rules and demand slacks, skirts or shorts, and polo shirts. The course I grew up playing on had the rule that your socks had to sit above your ankles. Which did not sit well with me in the 95-degree summer heat.
Certain country clubs may permit to wear leggings, but they likely follow the same approach as the LPGA Tour. Therefore, leggings are only allowed when worn underneath skorts or shorts. If you are playing as a guest at a Country Club, check the dress code before selecting your outfit. Each club has the authority to institute local rules and may differ from your home course.
As far as winter great goes, most country clubs frown upon apparel such as hoodies and baseball caps. Therefore a safer bet is a waterproof top or a sweater and a regular cap or visor.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Leggings
Optimal Range Of Motion
Leggings provide optimal stretch, which boosts your range of motion when you swing and walk. This enhances your comfort while navigating the golf course. In addition, the increased freedom enables you to induce maximum lower body rotation during your swing. As a result, you generate increased power and keep your clubhead on path through impact.
Heat Regulation
Adding to their comfortable nature is effective in heat regulation. In layman’s terms, when your body cools down, the fabric of the clothing works to trap the heat underneath the leggings. This keeps your lower body warm in the cold.
Conversely, as you warm up, the regulating qualities cool your body to a comfortable temperature. This occurs before you realize that you are starting to boil.
Overall, leggings look after your legs in cold and warm conditions to keep you comfortable on the golf course. But remember, you will likely need to throw shorts or a skirt over it if you are to wear them at a Country Club.
Matt Stevens
Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.