Going to the driving range can be an exciting experience for all. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the game or a seasoned player, the driving range is a great place to learn the game while having some fun. Given that most golf courses across and practice facilities have some sort of dress code, you may be wondering whether the same applies to driving ranges.
In the article below, we are going to look at the dress code for golf driving ranges. We will cover what you should be wearing as well as what not to wear. We will also look at the difference in dress code between public and private courses. There is a lot to cover so let’s get started.
What Is The Proper Attire For The Driving Range?
In terms of dress codes at the driving range, the answer largely depends on whether you are visiting a public driving range or a private one. While a private driving range may require you to follow the same dress code as you would do to play its course, public ones typically do not care what you choose to wear.
Private Courses Driving Range Attire
Most private golf courses follow some sort of dress code that ranges from very strict to relaxed. The most relaxed dress code you will find at a private golf club is the requirement of a nice golf polo with casual pants or shorts. The strictest dress codes will require you to have a tucked-in shirt with a collar, dress pants, and traditional golf shoes.
On top of this, some golf clubs change their requirements throughout the day. Typically, you will see less restrictions later in the day when the course is less busy versus more stringent dress code regulations in the morning and early afternoon. Courses are more likely to enforce stricter rules during the busiest times of the day and week.
Public Courses Driving Range Attire
Although we have stated that public driving ranges are unlikely to have dress codes, we would advise that you respect the establishment and the sport. Practicing in what you are going to play in will help you get more comfortable with your swing and your attire.
With that in mind, the basic dress code that you should follow to public driving ranges should be as follows:
- Golf polo
- Dress or casual pants or shorts
- Any athletic shoes or golf shoes
To discover the dress code for your specific club you should visit the club’s website and search for the information on their site. If you can’t find it, then give them a call or simply ask them in reception when you next go to play a round of golf. The chances are if you haven’t been told differently in the past then whatever you’ve been wearing up to this point is fine.
Dressing Weather Appropriate
Above and beyond the dress codes, it is important to think about the weather before getting dressed for the driving range. If it is raining while at the driving range and the range isn’t covered then you should wear a waterproof coat or jacket. For hot days, be sure to wear light weight breathable fabrics and a hat to avoid overheating.
Should You Wear Golf Shoes To The Driving Range?
Golf shoes will typically only be required at some private driving ranges, but this doesn’t mean that you should only wear them when instructed to do so. For some people, golf shoes can feel strange or uncomfortable at first so wearing them at the range can be a great way of breaking them in and getting used to them.
Just like you would use a driving range to get used to a new set of clubs, you can also use them to get used to new clothing and footwear too. This practice and preparation will ensure that you are in good shape next time you play a round.
Types Of Golf Shoes For The Driving Range
There are various different types of golf shoe on the market these days. Here are three of the most popular, and the advantages of each one:
- Classic golf shoe with spikes: This is the preferred choice for most seasoned golfers and has been tried and tested for decades. On the face of it, they look like any ordinary trainer but underneath they have hardened plastic metal spikes. The spikes will offer you more stability during your swing, so you can be safe in the knowledge that as you rotate your body through your swing, your legs and feet will stay steady.
- Spike-less golf shoes: Spike-less golf shoes have become more prominent in recent years, especially in dry conditions where spikes aren’t as important. They are much lighter and more comfortable than spiked golf shoes and therefore are the best choice for a visit to the driving range.
- Golf boots: From the preferred footwear in dry conditions to the preferred footwear in muddy and wet conditions. These offer you more ankle support than the aforementioned shoes and come with larger spikes than the standard golf shoe. The only downside is that they aren’t particular comfortable so your feet could be in bits by the time you finish a round.
Should You Wear A Golf Glove To The Driving Range?
One piece of golf gear that is worth talking about when it comes to driving ranges, and golf in general, is gloves. A lot of golfers elect to wear a glove on their non-dominant hand while playing their game. The reason for this is to secure a solid grip of the club without having to squeeze too hard. A slippery grip equates to more wild shots.
Although wearing a glove will almost certainly not be a requirement on the driving range, it may be a good idea to take one along to see if adding a glove helps your game. If you would like to learn more about golf gloves check out our article “Everything You Need To Know About Golf Gloves.”
Final Thoughts
To conclude, what you should and should not wear at driving ranges is entirely dependent on the facilities rules. If you can’t find a dress code anywhere online then to play it safe, we would recommend a collared shirt, dress pants, and golf shoes as standard as most clubs, both private and public, adhere to this code.
It is important to remember that the driving range is a practice area where you go to improve your game. You should dress to accommodate the golf facilities’ rules but also to maximize your training. Use the tips above for the best results.
Hopefully you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!
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