Dressing for a round of golf is a task that has perplexed society for decades. Adhering to the standard golf dress code for men (i.e. collared shirts, no denim, proper shoes) while also not looking like your least stylish uncle is a difficult needle to thread. You’re spending the entire day outdoors in the elements, engaging in a physical activity with plenty of other people around, so you need an outfit that’s going to be equal parts functional, comfortable, and easy on the eyes. Lean too far in any one direction, though, and you’re in trouble.
Go too hard in the performance department, for instance, and you might wind up in a regrettably form-fitting athleisure look made from swagless synthetic materials. Make comfort your primary concern, and suddenly you’re 2005 Phil Mickelson with billowy pants and sleeves the size of California King topsheets. Care only about style, meanwhile, and you might be sacrificing a few strokes in the name of looking cool. And don’t even get us started on the question of headwear—just because Vijay Singh won the Masters wearing a visor doesn’t mean you should try one out for yourself.
Finding the balance between all of golf’s conflicting requirements is possible, however. You really can have it all—turning heads on the links for both your prodigious drive and your unimpeachable fit. The trick is to embrace the traditions of the sport—the collars and the formality—while also slightly bending the rules in sly and stylish ways.
For proof, we’ve compiled a gallery of menswear icons from across the world of entertainment, politics, and sports (including some actual pro golfers) who have all excelled at expressing themselves sartorially on the golf course. Even if your drives are slicing and your short game has abandoned you, taking inspiration from any of these 19 men will ensure that you’re the best dressed in your group.
