Golf clothing and shoes: what is required and what feels good?

When you start playing golf, the transition from the "normal" world to the golf course is often a search for the balance between tradition (the dress code) and functionality (comfort). A round of golf takes on average four to five hours, during which you cover between 8 and 10 kilometres while making complex rotational movements. What the rules prescribe is often the basis, but what "really feels good" is a science in itself.

1. The dress code: what is required?

While the rules can vary per club, the NGF and most Dutch clubs use a general standard. The aim of the dress code is not to exclude people, but to ensure a tidy appearance on the course.

• Tops: A polo shirt with collar is the standard. For men, this shirt is usually to be tucked into the trousers. Sleeveless polos are often allowed for women, provided they have a collar. T-shirts and hoodies are still not appreciated on many traditional courses.
• Trousers: A neat pair of trousers or chinos is the norm. Jeans are now allowed at most courses, provided they are not worn or torn, but many golfers avoid denim because of the lack of stretch and the fact that it gets heavy when wet. Sports trousers (gym trousers) are forbidden almost everywhere.
• Footwear: On the course, official golf shoes with soft spikes or a spikeless profile are required. This is not only for your own grip, but also to avoid damaging the vulnerable greens with the rough profiles of normal sports shoes.

2. What really feels good during 4 hours of walking?

The biomechanical load of a round of golf is unique: you walk long distances on uneven terrain, alternated with explosive rotations.

The shoe: stability and cushioning

While walking, you want a shoe that feels like a walking or running shoe, but during the swing you need lateral stability.

• The tip: When buying, look at the "torsional stiffness". The sole may bend lengthwise for walking, but must be stiff sideways (twisting) to support your ankles during the swing.
• Socks: Don't underestimate the socks. Choose seamless, moisture-wicking sport socks. Cotton socks hold moisture, which after two hours of walking inevitably leads to friction and blisters.

Clothing: the power of stretch

Technical fabric has changed the golf world. Modern golf trousers and polos often contain elastane (spandex).

• Why: During the backswing and the finish, your body twists into extreme positions. Clothing without stretch "pulls" at the shoulders or knees, which limits your freedom of movement and disrupts concentration.
• Breathability: Choose synthetic fabrics or merino wool. They wick sweat to the outside of the fabric, so you stay dry and cool down less quickly in the wind.

3. Strategic choices for weather conditions

Because you are outdoors for a long time, the ambient temperature is rarely constant.

• The layering system: Instead of one thick jacket, the three-layer system (base layer, insulation layer, outer layer) works best. It traps the air for insulation, but you can take off layers as soon as the sun comes out or your heart rate rises.
• The cap or visor: Besides protection from the sun, a cap also helps with visual focus. It shields your eyes from glare, so you can read the ball flight and the slopes on the green better.

Conclusion

The dress code makes sure you appear smart on the first tee, but your equipment choice determines how you feel on hole 18. For a beginning golfer, the best investment is a good pair of golf shoes with sufficient cushioning and clothing with technical stretch. If you can move freely without your clothes irritating you or your feet hurting, you can put all your energy into the technique of the sport.