In recent years, there has been more leniency regarding what is considered acceptable to wear on a golf course.
Gone are the days when clubs demanded players wear the correct shoes, trousers, or shirt. Golf hoodies and innovative fashion have now become the norm.
Most have welcomed the change, and YouTuber Rick Shiels discussed attire in his latest podcast episode.
The Englishman is never afraid to discuss burning issues within the amateur scene. Just recently, Shiels called for a rule change concerning the three off-the-tee rule. Furthermore, Shiels wants a new amateur-friendly driver to be released to help higher-handicap players get the ball off the tee.
Rick Shiels tackles golf attire discussion
Shiels has now tackled the issue of attire. “I feel like golf attire has relaxed enormously, and I think it will continue to relax,” Shiels said.
“I just think it will take time. I have also seen golfers who do adhere to the golf code but are still really scruffy. They might have golf shoes on but they are absolutely battered or caked full of mud.
“Or they have got correct trousers on, but they are ill-fitting or dirty, so I am kind of done with this dress code conversation. I do think it should be relaxed, but I still think a lot of people will wear golf attire.
“I would love a day where it was wearing what you want day and see what people turn up in and see what people wear. I don’t think it will be that different. I would wear the same sort of things, to be honest with you.”
Shiels then revealed three traditional golf attire rules he wants to change. “There are three things I don’t agree with,” he added. “I think you should be able to have your shirt tucked in or out. I think that should be fine. I think sock rules should be abolished. And I think short rules of a certain length should be abolished. Apart from that, just enjoy it; be comfortable with what you are wearing.”
- READ MORE: Peter Finch disagrees with Rick Shiels and Grant Horvat after they raise concerns about Youtube golf
PGA Tour must make golf attire change
Currently, on the PGA Tour, players are required to wear trousers during competitive rounds, and this rule must be amended sooner rather than later.
During the heat of summer, forcing players to wear trousers feels slightly unfair, particularly when shorts are permitted during practice rounds.
Scottie Scheffler, for example, will nearly always wear shorts during his tournament preparations, and there’s no doubt the world number one would be a consistent short-wearer if the attire were permitted.
On LIV Golf, players are allowed to wear shorts during competitive rounds, which several breakaway league players have praised.
“I think this is a long time coming in the game of golf,” Phil Mickelson said back in 2022. “I think it just takes a disruptor like LIV to get things done. … I have a lot of friends on tour, and I hope for their sake the tour follows. … It feels good. It’s more comfortable.”
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