While women can wear leggings on a golf course, in general it comes with conditions. Courses and tournaments determine the relevant dress code. Therefore, you are technically 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.
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.
The Benefits of Wearing Leggings to Golf
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.
Brittany Olizarowicz
Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1
