Where are you golfing? One country club I belong to doesn't allow shorts period on the golf course and this is the deep south (welcome to the poorest state in the union). Cargo shorts would really be a no no in my opinion in a business deal and I really only see them on the public courses, and the crappy ones at that. I will say courses that allow shorts normally have a minimum leg length in inches, most of them allow it but I have seen in the list that cargo shorts are not allowed depending on the course. If you know the course you can go to thier weibsite and it will specifically tell you what is acceptable on the course and what is not. Even public courses have it listed.
So basically find out where you are playing and look it up to be safe.If it's a country club and you show up not properly dressed they'll let you know. Normally the help that unloads your bag will let you know and they will sell you the most expensive item in the pro shop to make you come up to minimum and normally charge it to whoever you came with, which really makes friends fast lol. I had a friend buy me a new belt on his account since I normally don't golf in a belt.
As an example, this is the dress code for the course across the road from me and it's a public course at a state park in the deep south just to give you an idea.
Proper golf attire includes a collared shirt. Sweat pants, regardless of color or style, are not proper golf attire. Shorts of a suitable length (16 in.) are permissible. Ladies may wear a golf shirt with shorts, skirts, or slacks. No sleeveless shirts or bathing attire will be permitted. Non-metallic spikes, tennis shoes, or soft soled shoes are mandatory.
This is the other club I belong to (Yes P. Diddy and I belong to the same country club - a redneck and P. Diddy, and Shaq used to) which allows shorts, the other one does not but the rules aren't posted online.
Golf attire is appropriate in the 19th Hole, Couples Lounge or Ladies Grille. Shorts must be must be mid-thigh or longer for both men and women. Cargo shorts/pants are not recommended. Golf attire includes a collar shirt with the exception of collarless golf shirts commonly sold in golf shops. Denim jeans are not appropriate attire on the practice facilities or the golf course. Shorts are permitted at any time. The use of metal spikes is prohibited on the practice facilities and golf course.
If it's not posted online call and ask, especially if it's a country club. Not as a member but I did golf at a club as a guest of a fortune 500 CEO once that the dress requirements were mailed to me when they set a tee time to make sure I met it and on the list were no visible tattoos and also included a list of non acceptable colors. But I could never afford to golf there except as a guest and it really wasn't about the golf. Basically I just stood around and tried not to quote caddyshack. So basically you'll see everything from that to the minimum which normally is "no denim, no halter tops, and men must have sleeves"
If it's a country club or even a nice public course, tuck your shirt in. Even the public courses here have that on the list and normally the nice ones have you must wear socks. I personally don't wear a belt, because I hate belts, but I tuck my shirt in every time. I've never seen any mention of the hat, I wear a baseball cap every time. Doesn't matter if it's golf related or not, I normally wear a white LSU oriented sports team baseball cap.
If it's just a group of guys from work you know and you are just out to play golf you can get away with a lot less. If it's "business related" pr charity related you might want to dress a little nicer especially if they are super conservative. I work in jeans and boots and I try to dress nice when playing with the owner of the business I work at, and he wears the same jeans and boots I do every day at work. Not sure about guys who wear business suits. I'm 43 and I don't know if I know anyone personally who wears a suit everyday. Golf is one of those funny things where a lot of guys just want to get out there and drink a beer and hit the ball and bullshit all day, but then there's a fair number of guys who take it ULTRA serious and will dress for it. If you can ask one of them it might help. I normally try to ask if I get invited with people I don't know or don't know well.
Well that's basically everything I know about mens fashion in general and thought I would never post in this thread.
