You don't need to be a scratch golfer to get out this weekend to soak up the sun, maybe a beer or two, and enjoy a round of golf. And the best part is you don't need Sam Snead's perfect swing to make it look like you've spent years working on your game either. Ben Hogan called golf "a universal language wherever I traveled" and regardless of skill level, there are a few tips that will help you blend in anywhere, even when your game isn't quite up to par.
Early Is
On Time
Courses get packed during the summer, and showing up late can throw everyone's day off. Don't be the guy paying for your cart when you're supposed to be on the first tee. If you're a guest that reflects poorly on the member that invited you, so don't make them look bad. You want to get invited back, right? Get there early to roll a few putts and get loose.
Cash
Is King
Carry bills. The bag drop guys who get your clubs appreciate the tip and it's a good first impression, plus they'll be there to clean off your set after you play (so tip again). And if the round doesn't go well and you're putting the sticks away for a few weeks, you'll appreciate the scrub down even more.
All Bets Are Off
(for Now)
Playing for a little cash can make things interesting, but it doesn't mean you should be the one suggesting it. If you're the guest or you don't know your group very well, avoid being the one to bring it up. Things can get awkward when you're citing rule 27-1, just minutes into a four-hour round.
Dress
to Impress
Only a few people may actually see your swing, but even if you don't know what you're doing out there, the right clothes can fool everyone in the clubhouse. Avoid cargo shorts (but you already knew that), consider tucking in your shirt and ditch the fitted baseball caps that make you look like you wandered away from the bleachers.
The Kit
The Kit
Certain golf looks are classics that won't go out of style, like Arnold Palmer's slim-cut white polo that works six decades later. Back in April, Nike went as far as to protect Tiger's signature red polo by telling Patrick Reed he'd need to switch to pink for the final round of The Masters, which he would go on to win. You don't need to be making a Sunday charge to upgrade to the latest trends to stay cool on the course and look your best.
Piquet Performance Players Shirt
Criquet Performance Players Shirt
Wrinkle resistant and quick dry so you won't sweat a rusty swing. Criquet's signature shirt is made from a technical pima cotton blend that wicks moisture away from your skin. A hint of stretch provides greater range of motion on the course.
$89 at Criquet Shirts
$89 at Criquet Shirts
Adidas ULT 365 Short
Adidas ULT 365 Short
Keep a neutral color because you're not John Daly, plus you can match it with almost any shirt. Keep it above the knees and focus on a good fit. Think of it this way: If you wouldn't wear it off the course, you can't wear it on.
$65 at Adidas
$65 at Adidas
G/Fore Delta Force Glove
G/Fore Delta Force Glove
Known as one the best golf gloves in the game, this is cut from soft Cabretta leather and the camo design adds a sharp touch of 2018 cool.
$40 at TrendyGolf
$40 at TrendyGolf
Bombas Classic Marls Ankle Sock
Bombas Classic Marls Ankle Sock
Avoid anything too high (let the sun actually hit your bottom half) or too low (you'll shred the back of your ankles). Bombas, our favorite, hit the perfect sweet spot and comes in six different colors.
$12 at Bombas
$12 at Bombas
Nike Air Zoom TW71
Nike Air Zoom TW71
Nike ended their equipment line last year, but their clothing and shoes are as good as ever. Right now, Tiger's shoe of choice is now on sale. You can't go wrong with classic whites and modern looks.
$150 / $129.97 at Nike
$150 / $129.97 at Nike
FYI
FYI
FYI
Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the US, with over 1,260.