Old Fashioned Golf Club Rules That Need to Go

Golf is a sport that is seemingly built on tradition, but when you think about it, few of these conventions have anything to do with actually playing the game and have instead been imposed by institutions in the form of golf clubs and governing bodies. 

While I cherish the history of the game and the personalities who shaped it, I believe that golf itself predated the rules laid down by the gentry of generations past who established laws that don't make a whole lot of sense in modern society.

Now, it's fair to say that the majority of places thankfully no longer adhere to these decrees, as most clubs and municipal courses are accepting of all people and whatever way in which they present themselves. 

That's not to say that some common sense practices aren't necessary and I believe the everyday venue you visit will have generally struck an appropriate balance to make themselves as welcoming and open as possible.

However, there remain some notable exceptions, those clubs that have separated themselves apart from the masses and continue to live by principles that were created by the moustached gentlemen whose portraits reside on the clubhouse walls.

You could justifiably say that if I don't like these rules - then I shouldn't bother visiting - and you're probably right, I likely wouldn't, but when I have on a rare occasion stepped onto a property like this, I have always been respectful of whatever parameters they outline, even if I think they're all a little bit silly and should be jettisoned into another dimension.

Here are some of those old-fashioned rules that I really think ought to go.

Knee Length Socks

This is one that probably bristles more than the rest. It could be a scorching hot day in summer, the sun is beating down upon the course, but if you want to free yourself up a little by wearing shorts, there are a significant number of prestigious clubs who declare that you must put on a pair of knee-length socks to go alongside them. Good grief.

I am hardly a fashionista from Milan, but I do know a bad look when I see it, and I can't think of much worse than a grown man striding about the golf course dressed like he's on safari.

Unless your intention is to embarrass the golfers who play your course, get this gone now.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Shorts

You've decided to wear a pair of shorts - maybe even with normal-length socks if you're lucky - but some clubs actually have regulations that cover the length of your shorts! 

There is one particular golf club in the Dorset area that specifies that your shorts must be tailored and are only permitted when they are cut above the knee by no more than three inches.

How is that policed, I wonder - do they bring out the measuring tape for your inside leg on the first tee?

Other Fashion Rules

Shirts must be tucked in at all times, they must have a collar, and if wearing a cap, the peak must be facing the front. Enough already! It's not stated what would occur if any of these declarations were not fulfilled. Perhaps the sight of an untucked shirt signals an imminent apocalyptic event.

Jackets & Ties

Providing one final entry in the category of controlling how you dress yourself, if you wish to step inside the clubhouse of a select few courses, then you need to bring an entire wardrobe of clothing with you. 

"Jacket and tie is mandatory for gentlemen" is what one revered club has outlined if you dare to move indoors. People often dress like this at funerals, weddings, and when they're up in court, so why would anyone wish to kit themselves out like this during an allegedly fun experience?

At least when you're a man, the request is straightforward, but for women (or ladies as they're often referred to at these places), it all becomes a little vague.

Like this...

"Ladies are asked to dress appropriately, so as to complement the dress code applying to gentlemen."

Or...

"Ladies should wear something smart."

Perhaps the most striking is this request at one Open Championship venue that only recently began to accept female members. "For Women - a jacket or sleeved dress must be worn in all public rooms."

There you have it, arms must not be seen at all times. How Victorian.

Mobile Phones

This is more contentious - as many understandably view golf as an opportunity to step away from technology and the hustle and bustle of daily life. Smartphones have become an inseparable force in our lives - you might even be reading this on one now - but some golf clubs want you to divorce yourself entirely from them, which I reckon is a little excessive.

"The use of mobile phones is not permitted on the golf courses or clubhouse and surrounding area. Mobile phones may only be used for voice calls in the car park."

"The use of mobile phones is confined to the car park. They should not be used on the course, in the clubhouse or its surrounds."

Good luck trying to get that signature selfie with your friends on the first tee at these places. 

While it's logical to discourage people from talking on their phones or wasting time photographing every shot they play, I reckon that most golfers have the sense to know that themselves without it being legislated.

Membership Processes

Fancy joining a golf club? Usually, you find one, give them a call or submit a membership form. That sounds easy enough, but some clubs have far more restrictive processes, and we're not just talking about those elite places that even the Royal Family would struggle to get into.

There is one club near me who has a remarkably convoluted - and restrictive - membership process. If you want to join this place, you must first find a proposer and a seconder, both of whom must have been full members of the club for at least two years and who have personally known you for a minimum period of two years.

How do they manage that one? Maybe they study your phone records or Facebook profile.

Regardless, it doesn't sound particularly helpful for those who have either just moved to the area or who have only recently taken up the game.

Gender Specific Tees

Historically, teeing areas have often been divided into medal tees, men's tees and women's tees. But why? Surely a more progressive and sensible way is by making them gender neutral, instead being based on ability and normalising multiple options for all golfers, whether it be older or higher-handicap male golfers stepping onto the forward tee, or giving women the chance to play from further back to provide a challenge that may better reflect their ability. 

We're seeing this introduced more often - especially since the emergence of the World Handicap System - but it hasn't gone down well with everyone. 

Emma Ballard of Women & Golf shared a striking story from Australia, where one male golfer resigned his membership over - yes, really - gender-neutral tees.

The enraged individual (perhaps frothing at the mouth when he said it) was quoted as saying: "I think it’s wacko, I think it’s team woke, they’re wokifying an industry that I think should have nothing to do with politics and there’s been zero consultation and I don’t think that it’s going to improve golf at all."

It's only a set of tees, pal.

Other Areas to Change

While I have your attention, here are some more things that I would change. Unless the standard term used at the club for men is gentlemen, then the use of "ladies" should be discouraged at all times. Even better would be not using either. Men and women from now on, please. 

Let's improve tee time access for women and junior golfers and establish more inter-gender competitions at clubs. Why not make those the norm. And remind me - did I mention knee-length socks earlier? 

Phew! I'm glad that I got all that off my chest.

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