Golf attire has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, evolving from formal, restrictive clothing to today’s stylish, performance-oriented apparel.

Originating in the cold, windy landscapes of Scotland, early golfers dressed primarily for warmth and protection. Typical attire included full tweed suits, often accompanied by waistcoats and neckties. Knickers, resembling knee breeches, were common, paired with high socks and sturdy leather shoes. Hats varied from pork-pie styles to wide-brimmed designs. While functional against harsh weather, this layered clothing restricted movement, impacting players’ swings.

As golf gained popularity in the United States, attire began to reflect contemporary fashion trends. The 1920s introduced plus-fours—knickers extending four inches below the knee—paired with two-toned shirts and, occasionally, ties. In cooler conditions, players opted for knitted wool cardigans or Norfolk jackets. The 1930s saw a shift to lighter fabrics, with short-sleeved knitted shirts and slacks becoming common. Outerwear like the Eisenhower jacket and cardigan sweaters with bell-shaped sleeves allowed greater freedom of movement. Footwear evolved to feature sturdy leather shoes with spikes, enhancing grip on the course.

The 1960s marked a departure from muted tones, embracing vibrant colors such as greens, blues, and reds. Bold tops contrasted with lighter trousers or shorts, reflecting the era’s fashion sensibilities. Public figures like President John F. Kennedy popularized “Go to Hell” pants—colorful, shorter trousers in eye-catching hues. Recognizing the growing market, brands like FootJoy, Adidas, Nike, Polo Golf Ralph Lauren, and Ashworth launched dedicated golf apparel lines. However, endorsements by celebrity players remained understated during this period.

By the late 1990s, golf had cemented its status among top U.S. sports, leading to lucrative endorsements and a surge in golf club memberships. The game’s evolving dynamics emphasized athleticism, precision, and speed, necessitating advancements in attire. Lightweight, comfortable, and elegant clothing became the norm. Colorful, collared cotton T-shirts paired with tan or khaki shorts or trousers dominated the fairways. Headwear transitioned to pork-pie shapes and baseball caps, while footwear saw a shift from traditional leather to sporty designs from brands like Nike and Adidas.

The past decade has witnessed a significant shift in golf fashion, influenced by broader cultural trends and technological advancements. The rise of athleisure blurred the lines between sportswear and casual wear, leading to the incorporation of jogger-style pants, hoodies, and stretchy, moisture-wicking materials in golf attire. Brands like Lululemon and Under Armour introduced high-performance golf wear suitable both on and off the course. Collaborations with streetwear labels injected a youthful energy into the sport, attracting a new generation of players. Additionally, sustainability became a focal point, with companies like Reflo producing apparel from recycled materials, reflecting a growing environmental consciousness among consumers. citeturn0search26

This evolution of golf attire mirrors the sport’s journey from its traditional roots to a modern, inclusive game that embraces both style and functionality.

Well, fellow frostbitten golfers, we did it. We survived. Read my last article. The brutal winter storms, the months of indoor putting drills, the soul-crushing agony of watching tournament replays instead of actually playing—we’ve endured it all. And now, like a long-lost Pro V1 finally found in the rough, we emerge from the icy grip of winter, ready to reclaim our place on the golf course.

Spring is here. The fairways are thawing, the greens are almost puttable, and for the first time in months, your golf clubs are seeing sunlight instead of just gathering dust in the garage. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—returning to the course after a long winter is a journey, one filled with hope, horror, and a whole lot of rust to shake off.

Step One: The Reunion (and the Lies We Tell Ourselves)

The moment you open your golf bag for the first time since December is emotional. It’s like seeing an old friend after years apart, except this friend has been through a rough patch—probably still covered in last season’s mud, with a faint odor of stale beer and regret. You whisper sweet nothings to your 7-iron, reassuring it that this year will be different.

And then, the self-deception begins.

“This is the year I fix my swing.”
“I’m going to take my time on the greens.”
“I won’t buy new clubs to solve my problems.”

Lies. All lies. But they feel good, so we roll with them.

Step Two: The First Round Back (a.k.a. The Humbling)

Ah, that first round of the season. You arrive at the course feeling like a golfer reborn, visions of smooth swings and perfect tempo dancing in your head. And then… reality strikes.

Your first tee shot? A low screamer that barely clears the forward tees.
Your second shot? A chunked iron that travels six feet.
Your third shot? A desperate attempt to remember how golf works.

By the back nine, you accept your fate: golf is hard, and winter made it harder. But hey, at least you’re out here, breathing in fresh air instead of screaming at your TV over a missed putt on The Golf Channel.

Step Three: Spring Course Conditions (a.k.a. Golf, But Swampier)

Spring golf is not for the faint of heart. The grass is patchy, the fairways are damp, and every bunker feels more like a quicksand trap. Your ball might plug so deep in the fairway that you need a search-and-rescue mission just to find it. And don’t even get me started on the greens—putting on spring grass is like rolling a marble across shag carpet.

And yet, we persevere. Why? Because the alternative is waiting another month, and that’s simply unacceptable. So we slip, we slide, we take relief from whatever casual water situation is happening in the fairway, and we celebrate the simple fact that we are golfing once again.

Step Four: The Delusional Season Goals Begin

With spring’s arrival comes the most dangerous part of the golf season: optimism. Suddenly, every golfer is convinced that this is their year.

“I’m finally going to break 80.”
“I’ll practice every week.”
“I’m getting a lesson to fix my slice.”

Of course, within weeks, we’ll be back to our usual antics—binge-watching golf tips instead of practicing, blaming our putter instead of our stroke, and deciding that a $600 driver is the real key to improvement. But until then, we dream big.

Step Five: The Pure Joy of Golf’s Return

Despite the struggles, the rust, and the inevitable reality check that winter stole whatever shred of talent we had left, nothing compares to that first round back. The feeling of walking the fairway, of nailing a solid iron shot, of draining a putt (even if it’s for double bogey)—these are the moments that make the long, cold months worth it.

So dust off those clubs, book that first tee time, and embrace the chaos of early spring golf. You may not break 80, you may not even break 100, but one thing’s for sure: it’s better than being stuck inside dreaming about it.

Welcome back to the course, friends. Let’s make this season one to remember. (Or at the very least, one to survive.)

Spring’s creeping up, golfers! The fairways are shaking off winter, and it’s time to get your game dialed in for 2025. Whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to keep it on the grass, here’s your chill guide to hitting the ground swinging. Let’s go!

Hack 1: Gear Check—Don’t Let Last Year’s Clubs Hold You Back

Dust off your bag and give it a look. Grips feeling like a slip-n-slide? Swap ‘em out—control’s king. And if your driver’s ancient, maybe peek at something fresh. We’ve got the lowdown on the Mizuno OMOI putters—heavier heads, smoother rolls, pure magic. Read the full review; it might just fix your green woes.

Hack 2: Swing Smarter, Not Harder

No need to rebuild your swing from scratch—just polish it. Try the “One-Club Challenge”: grab a 7-iron, hit the range, and mix it up—high, low, whatever. It’s all about feel over force. You’ll be outfoxing courses before the grass turns green.

Hack 3: Mindset Matters

Golf’s a mental game, and winter’s your prep window. Get inspired with some Pebble Beach greatness—like this hole-by-hole flyover narrated by Jim Nantz from Golf Digest. It’s a quick tour of every iconic shot at Pebble, perfect for daydreaming your spring opener. Visualize your ball sticking the green—you’ll be ready.

Hack 4: Score Early Deals

ClickitGolf’s serving up pre-season heat. The shop has deals flowing—Check out all the cool products. Grab ‘em now before the snowbirds invade. Road trip on the brain? Our HotelPlanner Travel partnership cuts costs on hotels and flights. More golf, less cash—done.

Hack 5: Ryder Cup Hype – Channel the Pros

Keegan Bradley captaining the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage? Unexpected and awesome. Start channeling that Team USA energy—watch Pebble Beach’s greatest moments on our video page for some clutch inspo. September’s gonna be a party; we’ll keep you posted on the news page.

Tee It Up!

Gear up, swing smart, snag deals, and get hyped—2025’s your year to own the course. What’s your spring prep go-to? Drop it in the comments—let’s get this crew fired up!