Dress codes should encourage the young

By Neville Idour

Like it or not, youngsters are the lifeblood of the game of golf. Too many clubs forget that.

Dress codes can be a discouragement if a club requires dress slacks, shorts that cover the knees and knee high socks. What about the rare ones that still require a jacket and tie in the clubhouse? That is their choice.

I am certainly not encouraging sloppy untidy attire. However when youngsters make their first steps on to a golf course surely a more relaxed approach to any dress code will encourage them to come again.

Some experiences we hear are cringeworthy. Clubs have the right to have a dress code and as such will bear the consequences.

Of course there are those dinosaur members who simply do not want young people on course annoying them.

A club in the area where I live, which shall remain nameless, introduced new policies for membership this year on the back of plans to raise the club to the level of a top resort course.

Despite these just being plans our subscriptions were hiked 40 percent and there are no longer junior memberships available. Hence my son and grandson have not renewed their membership. To expect parents to pay a full senior membership for an eight-year-old is sending a message that the young are not welcome.

Responsible parents will teach their children how to behave on the golf course and guide them regarding dressing tidily and respectfully. Of course the really important things are letting adults play through, respect others on course, repair their pitch marks and divots and keep up a steady pace. These are the most important things.

One parent of three boys aged 6, 11 and 14 said his 14-year-old took some friends to play at their club and the professional could not have been more welcoming. He encouraged the son to bring his friends whenever he could at a guest rate. He was delighted to see juniors enjoying golf and even lent one of the boys some clubs.

In complete contrast the son went to play a different course a week or two later with a friend who was a member. He was confronted on the first tee by the pro telling him he wasn’t dressed appropriately but he would let him play this time. He was wearing an Adidas golf jacket with hood, Nike golf joggers and golf shoes. Great welcome.

Believe it or not the friend's father later received an email from the pro advising them to remind any friends about the dress code.

Another factor for some is the cost of clothing. Casual (not untidy or sloppy) golf gear can be worn on and off the course, in effect killing two birds with one stone.

It is important to remember that one bad experience may be the difference between a golfer for life or someone who will look elsewhere for their recreation or stay home on playstation.