There seem to be a lot of questions out there when it comes to golf and clothes. While much of our focus is generlaly on our game, it's hard to look past the desire many of us have to be comfortable, play well and do it all with style. Those things plus a fun course and good friends can make for a perfect day.
The goal of finding the right clothes that make you feel like yourself is not trivial. It's important if you want to feel your best out there. With that in mind, we answer some golf and style related reader questions. We hope this is helpful.
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Dear ACL,
I don’t play golf, but I was invited to attend the Byron Nelson tournament in Dallas this week. It’s going to be hot. I’m not sure if there are any rules for dressing for a tournament as a spectator.
Logan
Dallas, Texas
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Logan thanks for asking this question. Dress codes in golf are much more intimidating than they should be. That said, the worst thing you could do is to dress like you are actually going to be playing golf. Nothing confuses me more than people at a golf tournament who are dressed like they are going to be substituted-in at any moment. All that said, there are a lot of people inside and outside golf who don't totally understand what to wear and when.
A good style reference for any outdoor activity is the 1959 film Jazz on a Summer's Day by Bert Stern. Shot at the Newport Jazz Festival in the summer of 1958, the film beautifuly showcases easy-going warm weather American-style at its best. So with that in mind let's keep it classic. You can't go wrong by wearing a pair of non-tech cotton chino pants and a collared shirt of any kind (that can be tucked in) would be completely safe in any setting around golf.
Personally, I would wear a camp shirt (No Man Walks Alone has a great selection including this shirt) that will help with the heat or a non-sporting polo shirt like this one from Sunspel. As far as shoes go, I would wear something that's ok to get dirty but also comfortable to walk in. My first thought is something like a classic Ranger Moc or even a pair of inexpensive canvas sneakers that you are ok with using for mowing the lawn after this. Don't forget your sunscreen or a good hat. Hope this helps and enjoy the Byron Nelson.