What to Wear to a Golf Tournament (and what to leave at home)

The spring and summer are some of my favorite months of the year because of golf. I originally wrote this post for the Masters since I know there are so many questions about what to wear, but now that’s passed, I’ve tweaked this post to be more helpful for other upcoming golf tournaments (maybe you’re heading to the PGA Championship in Charlotte this upcoming May?).

If you know anything about golf, you know that golf tournaments are classy sporting events with a dress code that’s more dressy than, say, what you might wear to a football game. That said, the Masters is by far the most “formal”, but all the other tournaments have rules as well. I’m sharing helpful tips for what to wear to upcoming golf tournaments below, along with some ideas for staying cool since most of them are held during the hot summer months.

What to Wear to a Golf Tournament

Dresses

One of the things I love about golf is that it’s a “dressy” sport. Wearing a polished, appropriate outfit is important, even as a spectator. A nice sundress (or true golf dress) is a perfect option for a day at the course. Just be careful not to wear something too short, since you may end up sitting in the grass for some of the day. (Or plan to wear shorts underneath, like I always do.) Since all of the upcoming tournaments are held in the summer, a lightweight dress in a cotton or linen blend will likely be perfect.

I have a carousel of golf tournament-appropriate dresses, but my top picks are bulleted below:

• This sleeveless golf dress from A. Putnam is specifically designed to look appropriate both on and off the golf course
• This seersucker gingham dress from Tuckernuck will conceal any sweat and also protect you from too much sun. (Here’s a longer gingham version, too.)
• Speaking of longer, this Tobie Button-Front Pleated midi dress is a great option, too. The pleats add a fun detail.
• If you want a short-sleeved version, I love this green gingham mini (also from Tuckernuck) with embroidery detail.
• And if you want to go the white route, this Elena Shirtdress would be perfect styled with some simple white sneakers and cute sunglasses.
• The Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress is also fool-proof, but size down in that!

All of these dresses will pair well with any of my favorite white sneakers.

More Golf Tournament Approved Dresses

Matching Sets or Rompers

If wearing a dress all day feels out of your comfort zone, a matching set or romper is a good option. This Tweed Romper from Tuckernuck is the absolute perfect piece to wear to a golf tournament in early summer (size up!). Pair a romper like this with white sneakers (any pair from above will work, but I’d likely do my favorite Velcro Veja Recifes), and cute sunglasses (maybe this pair of St. Louis shades from Krewe).

Another non-dress option is this cute Cutaway Vest Top from J.Crew with matching linen shorts (there are a few options from J.Crew, but I think this pair of 3″ linen shorts and this pair of 6″ linen shorts are the same material). Go with the all-white look and accessorize with fun sneakers. For something a tad more casual, this striped set from Spendid would be comfortable all day long. I have a size XS the top and bottoms.

Golf Tournament Approved Sets

White Jeans and a Blouse

If you happen to go to a tournament on an unusually cool day, a pair of white jeans is an appropriate outfit choice. While blue jeans aren’t generally golf-appropriate, white jeans are an exception. My white jeans are by Madewell and fit TTS (read my white jeans review here). Pair with a lightweight top like this Forest Green Ruffle Nadia Blouse or this Green & White Striped Short Sleeve Anna Cardigan, and you’ve got a perfect outfit. I also love the idea of wearing a soft yellow top with white jeans. This short-sleeved cashmere sweater is a great option.

If you’re feeling funky and bold, this Gone Golfing Cardigan would be a fun addition to white jeans.

Golf Tournament Approved Cool Weather Outfits

Golf Attire

Another appropriate option for watching a golf tournament is true golf attire. You’ll see some women wearing a golf dress (this Mini Floral Sport Dress is fun) or skort with a collared top tucked in. If this sounds most comfortable to you, then go for it! This post has some cute women’s golf clothes.

I recently got a few pieces from Alp n Rock, and this Josie Pleated Mini Skirt would be a great tournament outfit. Pair it with a collared shirt, or snag this Harlow Quilted Jacket for an extra layer on chilly tournament days. (Use code TERILYN25 for 25% off at Alp N Rock.)

Golf Tournament Approved Ladies Golf Attire

Sneakers

The first thing my father-in-law said to me when he saw some of the pictures I sent him as I prepared to attend my first Masters was: “sandals are a rookie mistake”. Note taken. I should have figured, considering I knew we’d be walking for HOURS and standing on our feet most of the day. Wearing comfortable sneakers (or even golf shoes) shows you’re really there for golf.

Don’t believe me? Just google photos of Meredith Scheffler at Scottie’s matches. It’s always sneakers. When we were at Augusta, we saw a woman walking in giant platform sandals and even heard a couple of players making fun of her. Yikes, but it’s hilarious. (Unless you’re the woman trying not to break your ankles all day.) While this is certainly true of the Masters, it is also true of other golf tournaments. Sneakers, no matter what.

I always wear my favorite VEJA sneakers to golf tournaments since they’re already broken in. If you want to wear a new pair of sneakers to the tournament, be sure to break them in beforehand. If you don’t have time to break in sneakers, these Cariuma sneakers are comfortable right out of the box. (And they’re one of my favorite sneakers to wear with dresses.)

Golf Tournament Approved Sneakers

Hats

Since you’ll be outdoors all day, you will want a hat– even if you don’t plan to wear it all day. Some women wear dressier sun hats (like this Crochet option from Tuckernuck or this wide-brim hat), while others opt for a traditional golf hat (this is more my style). Get a non-branded hat from a brand like Chord or wear a golf brand.

Golf Tournament Approved Hats

Sunglasses

Practical and a cute accessory. I wore my tried and true Le Specs Bandwagon sunglasses, but I think any cute sunglasses will be a fun addition to your outfit since you’ll wear them most of the day! I linked a few fun options below.

Sunglasses I’m Loving

A small purse

There is a small bag policy at most golf tournaments, so you’ll want to do some quick measuring before arriving. For example, at Augusta bags must be 10” x 10” x 12” or smaller, so a small crossbody bag is a great choice. You’ll want to carry your sunglasses, a small bottle of sunscreen, your wallet or card holder, and maybe a lip gloss or two.

For spring and summer, a straw bag is likely perfectly appropriate and I found some cute straw and raffia purse options this year! However, some events may require a clear bag, so check out my (unless a clear one is required – my favorite stadium-approved bags if so.

Golf Tournament Approved Purses

Sunscreen

Like I just mentioned above, throw a small bottle of sunscreen in your purse. You’ll be outside in the sun (assuming there’s no rain…), so you’ll want to be prepared. I was NOT prepared at my first Masters and ended up with a pretty bad sunburn. The OS-01 FACE SPF 30+ is my very favorite face SPF since it applies perfectly under makeup. It blends right in without leaving any white cast, and it feels great on my skin all day. It’s made with 100% Non-Nano Mineral Broad Spectrum UV filters and potent antioxidants.

What NOT to wear or bring to Golf Tournaments

Sandals or heels of any sort

Like I said above, rookie move. I am SO thankful I wore sneakers. (I literally witnessed a woman falling in wedges and another walking barefoot, carrying her sandals.)

Food and drinks

There’s no need to bring your own food or drinks anyway, since the food at golf tournaments is usually really good.

Diaper Bags or Strollers

I can’t speak to every single golf tournament, but strollers are prohibited at the Masters and the PGA Championship, so this is a great time for an adults-only getaway or to bring your kids once they’re walking and will enjoy a full day of golf.

Cameras

Check the specific tournament you’re attending, but note that cameras are only allowed on certain days for some tournaments, such as the Masters and the PGA Championship.

If you’re planning to attend any PGA event, everything I recommend above applies to anyone searching for guidance on what to wear to a golf tournament (whether that be at Augusta or even a local charity event). Dressing with equal parts polish and comfort is key—and these outfit ideas work beautifully no matter the venue.

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