Golf Girl Summer: Building Your First Course Wardrobe

So you want to get into golf but have literally no clue what to wear? I've been there. The staples you need are polo shirts, athletic skirts, golf pants, and golf shoes - but honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds.

Golf dress codes vary depending on where you're playing. Private clubs are the strictest - they want collared shirts (mock necks count now, thank god), skirts or pants, and actual golf shoes. Public courses are way more chill but still expect you to look like you're there to play golf, not hit the gym.

Just don't wear: denim, athletic shorts, tank tops, graphic tees, or flip-flops. Trust me on this one.

When I started playing, I was so frustrated by those strict dress codes and the fact that everything seemed to come in oversized, unflattering cuts. Thankfully, brands have finally figured out that we want to look cute AND follow the rules.

How to Build Your Golf Wardrobe Without Going Broke

Look, golf is expensive enough without dropping $500 on outfits. The good news? You can totally mix price points. I love paring an Amazon skorts with a Lululemon polo, or a budget golf dress with nice ECCO shoes. It's all about knowing where to splurge and where to save.

Budget Finds That Don't Look Cheap (Under $50)

MCEDAR Athletic Tennis Golf Skorts ($23) - These are honestly a steal. Pleated, pockets for your tees and ball markers, and they come in tons of colors. You could build half your wardrobe around these.

SANTINY Pleated Tennis Skirts ($32) - The high waist is so flattering and the pleats actually move with you when you swing. Way cuter than the boxy shorts I used to think I had to wear.

MathCat Women's Sleeveless Golf Shirts ($24.99) - Sleeveless polos that actually look intentional, not like you cut the sleeves off. Plus they have UPF 50+ built in, which is clutch for summer rounds.

Other budget-friendly spots: Target's All in Motion line has cute pieces for $15-25, and honestly, Old Navy's golf basics are solid too.

Pro tip: Hit up end-of-season sales for Adidas and Nike golf shoes. You can snag quality golf shoes for $40-60.

The Sweet Spot: Quality That's Worth It (Under $100)

Moveknit V-Neck Polos ($79.95) - V-necks feel more modern than traditional polos, and the fabric actually keeps you cool. These hit that perfect balance of looking put-together without trying too hard.

Tuckernuck Sport Navy Sleeveless Caroline Polo ($88) - This is what I mean by investment pieces that work everywhere. Golf course, brunch, casual Friday at work. The navy is so classic and the fit is chef's kiss.

Under Armour women's golf collection ($50-80) - Their HeatGear technology is legit for hot summer rounds. Nike's golf stuff in this range is solid too, especially if you can catch it on sale.

Under Armour Phantom Fore Golf Shoes ($130) - Okay, slightly over $100 but hear me out. Your feet will be in these for 4+ hours. Good shoes are non-negotiable, and these work for the course and casual wear.

Splurge-Worthy Pieces (Under $200)

Tuckernuck Sport Alcott Golf Dress ($148) - This is the kind of piece that earns compliments every time you wear it. Golf to lunch to running errands - it just works. The fit is forgiving but still flattering.

FootJoy Premiere Series golf shoes ($150-200) - If you're playing regularly, these are worth every penny. Comfort, style, and they last forever with proper care.

Brands To Check Out

Classics: Nike and Adidas have this dialed in. Their Dri-FIT and CLIMACOOL technologies actually work, plus they go on sale frequently. Under Armour is perfect for hot weather, and their price point is reasonable.

For budget-conscious: MCEDAR on Amazon has surprisingly good basics.

More of an elevated casual vibe: Moveknit and Tuckernuck Sport nail the "I'm stylish but not trying too hard" aesthetic. TravisMathew if you don't mind spending a bit more.

The bottom line? Start with a few versatile pieces in neutral colors, invest in good shoes, and build from there. You don't need a complete wardrobe on day one - just enough to feel confident walking onto any course.