Etiquette & Rules
Do Scottish Golf Courses Have Dress Codes?
Most do — but they're less strict than the stereotype suggests. Here's what's expected at different types of courses, and the handful of places where the rules are genuinely enforced.
Most Scottish golf courses have a dress code — but it's less restrictive than the reputation suggests. The standard expectation is: golf shirt with collar, proper golf trousers or shorts (not jeans, not tracksuit bottoms), and golf shoes or clean trainers. This covers the vast majority of Scottish courses without issue.
By course type
Municipal and public courses
The lightest touch. Collared shirt expected; jeans, tracksuits, and football strips will draw a comment but are rarely grounds for refusal. Golf shoes not always required — some courses allow flat-soled trainers. The starter will tell you if there's an issue.
Private members' clubs (visitor access)
A written dress code is standard and will usually appear on the club's website. Expect: collared shirt, tailored golf trousers or shorts (no cut-offs, no denim), golf shoes mandatory. Smart casual is required in the clubhouse, typically including a collar in the dining room.
What gets visitors refused: Jeans on the course, T-shirts without collars, shorts below the knee that look like streetwear, football colours. Most clubs apply these sensibly; a borderline case will usually earn a polite word, not a ban.
Open Championship venues (Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Turnberry, Prestwick)
Similar to private clubs but more consistently enforced, because the clubs have a reputation to maintain. Collared shirts, proper trousers or tailored shorts, golf shoes — all mandatory. Check the specific club's website before visiting.
Old Course at St Andrews
The Links Trust has a clear dress code: collared shirt, tailored shorts or trousers, golf shoes required. No denim, no tracksuits, no round-neck T-shirts. This is checked at registration for the ballot and at the first tee.
Royal Troon and Muirfield
Both have stricter-than-average dress codes. Troon requires a jacket and tie in some areas of the clubhouse. Muirfield's code is similarly traditional. Review their visitor guidelines before your trip.
The clubhouse vs the course
The course typically has a more relaxed code than the clubhouse. What's acceptable on the fairway — a polo shirt, tailored shorts, waterproof jacket — may not be acceptable for lunch in the dining room.
The 19th hole: Scottish clubhouse dress codes typically require a collar in the formal dining room and smarter trousers (not shorts). The spike bar or golfers' lounge is usually more relaxed.
What to pack for a Scottish golf trip
A packing list that satisfies virtually every course in Scotland:
- 3–4 collared golf shirts (polo style)
- 2 pairs golf trousers (tailored, not jeans-style)
- 1–2 pairs tailored golf shorts
- Golf shoes (waterproof strongly recommended — Scottish conditions)
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
- Smart casual clothes for the clubhouse (chinos or smarter trousers, shoes)
Golf shoes: spiked (soft spikes, not metal) are preferred at most traditional courses. Spikeless shoes are widely accepted. Metal spikes are prohibited almost everywhere.
Do they actually enforce it?
At most municipal courses: loosely. At most members' clubs: yes, at the first tee. At the famous venues: consistently. The starter's box at the first tee is where the dress code is most likely to be checked. Clubhouses are usually more relaxed about what comes in from the cold, provided you're not flagrantly inappropriate.
A polished traveller packing the basics above will have no issues at any course in Scotland.
Common questions
Can you wear jeans to play golf in Scotland?
Not at most courses. Jeans are prohibited at private members' clubs and all championship venues — this is consistently enforced at the first tee. At municipal and pay-and-play courses they may be tolerated, but golf trousers or tailored shorts are always the safer choice. If in doubt, assume jeans are not allowed.
Do you need golf shoes to play golf in Scotland?
At private clubs and championship courses, proper golf shoes are required — spiked (soft spikes only, not metal) or spikeless. Municipal courses are more lenient and may allow flat-soled trainers. Metal spikes are prohibited at almost all courses in Scotland. Waterproof golf shoes are strongly recommended given Scottish weather.
What is the dress code at the Old Course at St Andrews?
The Old Course requires a collared shirt, tailored shorts or trousers, and golf shoes. Denim, tracksuits, and round-neck T-shirts are not permitted. The dress code is checked at ballot registration and at the first tee. The Links Trust publishes its full dress code on its website.
What should I wear to a Scottish golf club?
For the course: a collared polo shirt, golf trousers or tailored shorts, and golf shoes (preferably waterproof). For the clubhouse: smart casual — chinos or smarter trousers, shoes rather than trainers. Waterproof jacket and trousers are essential for any Scottish round regardless of the forecast.
About the author
Gary
Editor and founder of Birdie Brae. Based in Glasgow, 14.5 handicap, playing since 2022. Has played 40+ Scottish courses and started this site because most Scottish golf content is written by people trying to sell you a package holiday.
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