Junior Golf Clothing: What Does your Kid Actually Need to Wear?

When our son started playing golf, clothing wasn’t high on our priority list. We managed just fine with basic shorts and trousers from Woolworths, golf shirts from Mr Price and a pair of comfortable tennis shoes.

But that changed sooner than we expected.

As he started playing more regularly, especially when he began entering Western Province Golf competitions, we found ourselves shopping for proper junior golf clothing.

Dress codes were part of it, but in hindsight, comfort and weather played an even bigger role. We soon noticed that ordinary trousers weren’t always ideal for golf. They might look smart, but they don’t offer the same stretch and freedom of movement as proper golf trousers. And with cold mornings, strong winds and warm afternoons in the Western Cape, the right clothing made a real difference.

Over time, we’ve learned which clothes work for him, what he actually needs and which brands we keep coming back to.

This guide covers junior golf clothing for lessons, club rounds and tournaments, including dress codes in the Western Cape, our favourite junior golf clothing brands available in South Africa and ways to keep costs manageable.

Do juniors need golf clothes from their first lesson?

No, most children don’t need a full golf outfit for their first lesson.

Many junior academies allow beginners to wear ordinary sports clothing and trainers. However, the rules depend on where the lesson takes place.

An independent driving range may be more relaxed than a golf club. Some clubs apply their dress codes to practice areas as well as the course.

Before your child’s first lesson, ask the coach what they should wear.

What should your child wear as a beginner?

For an introductory lesson, a simple outfit may be enough:

• A comfortable golfer or sports shirt.
• Shorts or trousers that allow free movement.
• Closed sports shoes.
• A cap or sun hat for outdoor lessons.

You don’t need to buy specialist golf clothing until you know what the venue requires.

Golf dress codes in the Western Cape

Golf clubs have rules about what you can wear on the course, practice areas and in the clubhouse.

These rules aren’t the same at every club.

Some follow traditional dress codes, while others accept modern golf clothing and more casual styles.

For example, Milnerton Golf Club requires golf attire and golf shoes on its course and practice facilities.

Hermanus Golf Club has its own dress code, including rules about shirts, shorts and footwear.

Before visiting a new course, check its current dress code. This also applies when your child plays their first club competition.

What can your child wear on a golf course?

These are common clothing options at South African golf clubs.

Clothing	Commonly accepted options
Shirts	Collared polo shirts or approved golf tops
Shorts	Tailored shorts or golf shorts
Trousers	Golf trousers or suitable smart trousers
Skirts and skorts	Golf skirts, skorts and dresses
Shoes	Golf shoes that meet the club’s rules
Headwear	Caps, visors and sun hats

Keep in mind: This isn’t a universal dress code. Individual golf clubs may have different requirements.

Ordinary T-shirts, rugby shorts, tracksuit trousers, jeans and beachwear are often restricted.

Some clubs also require shirts to be tucked in.

An outfit that’s fine for a junior lesson may not meet the dress code when your child starts playing on the course.

Choosing comfortable kids golf clothing

Golf clothes need to allow more movement than everyday clothing.

Your child turns their shoulders during the swing, bends to place tees and crouches to read putts. They may also spend several hours walking during a round.

Fit and fabric make a difference, particularly once your child starts playing regularly.

+ Golf shirts A collared polo is a common choice. Lightweight polyester and blended fabrics often dry faster than cotton. Check that your child can turn their shoulders freely without the shirt pulling. + A comfortable waistband Look for a waistband that stays comfortable when your child bends or crouches. Adjustable waistbands are useful when they’re between sizes. + Golf shorts Choose shorts that allow easy movement when walking, bending and crouching. Pockets are handy for tees, ball markers and other small items. + The right shirt fit A shirt that’s too tight may restrict the swing, while one that’s too big can bunch up. If the club requires tucked-in shirts, check that the shirt stays tucked during a full swing. + Golf skorts A skort looks like a skirt but has fitted shorts underneath. Choose one that allows your child to walk, bend and crouch comfortably.

+ Hover over or tap the yellow points to explore

Junior golf clothing brands in South Africa

Over the years, we’ve found a few brands that we tend to turn to when shopping for our son.

Some have dedicated children’s golf collections. Others offer sportswear that can also work on the course. These are brands we look at, rather than a ranking of the best junior golf clothing.

International golf clothing brands

Adidas

Adidas South Africa has a dedicated kids’ golf collection with polo shirts, shorts, trousers, jackets and golf shoes.

Our son has worn Adidas since he was young, so it’s a brand we’re familiar with.

The range includes boys’ and girls’ clothing, although sizes and styles change throughout the year.

Junior golf collection

Nike

Nike offers junior sportswear and golf apparel in selected markets.

Its polo shirts and performance clothing are among the options we consider when shopping.

Not every Nike sports item is designed for golf, so check the style against your child’s club dress code.

Performance sportswear

Puma

Puma has a strong presence in golf through its Cobra Puma Golf range.

The brand offers golf shirts, shorts, trousers and outerwear, although the junior selection in South Africa can vary.

Puma is another brand we look at when considering golf clothing for our son.

Golf apparel

Under Armour

Under Armour produces performance sportswear, including golf clothing.

Its lightweight shirts and sportswear may suit your child if they prefer a more athletic fit.

Check whether a particular item meets your child’s golf club dress code.

Athletic clothing

FootJoy

FootJoy is best known for golf shoes and gloves, but it also produces golf clothing.

Its junior apparel selection is more limited than its adult range, so availability in South Africa may vary.

Golf specialist

South African golf clothing brands

We also like looking at local brands. South Africa has golf clothing labels with designs that differ from traditional golf apparel. Two that have caught our attention are BooYaa Golf and Custom Apparel.

BooYaa Golf

BooYaa Golf is a South African brand known for bold prints, bright colours and distinctive golf shirts.

Its range includes shirts, shorts, trousers and outerwear.

Some shirts are available in smaller adult sizes, including XXS. However, BooYaa doesn’t currently advertise a dedicated junior collection.

If your child is older, the smaller sizes may be an option. Check the measurements carefully, especially around the shoulders and body length.

South African brand

Custom Apparel

Custom Apparel has a dedicated junior golf shirt collection.

Its designs range from bright patterns to more traditional golf styles.

The junior range includes sizes from ages 3–4 through to 13–14.

During our October 2026 research, we found junior golf shirts listed from R299, with some designs priced at R349.

Custom Apparel offers junior-specific sizes, including options for younger children.

South African junior range

Does golf clothing have to be branded?

No.

A plain polo shirt and suitable shorts may meet your child’s golf club dress code just as well as branded golf clothing.

Specialist golf apparel often uses lighter fabrics, offers more stretch and includes features such as moisture control or sun protection.

These features can be useful when your child spends several hours on the course.

But a brand name alone doesn’t make clothing more suitable for golf.

Dressing for golf in the Western Cape weather

The Western Cape weather can change quite a bit during a round.

A morning tournament may start in cold wind, followed by several hours of sunshine. In winter, your child may also have to deal with rain and wet grass.

We’ve found that having suitable layers makes managing these changes much easier.

Summer Golf Lightweight clothing, sun protection and staying comfortable through long, hot rounds. + What to wear

Winter Golf Warm layers that keep your child comfortable without getting in the way of their swing. + What to wear

Rainy Day Golf Keeping your child dry when a tournament goes ahead despite the rain. + What to wear

Golf shoes and socks

Your child doesn’t always need golf shoes for their first lessons.

Some driving ranges and beginner programmes allow ordinary trainers. Other venues require golf shoes on their practice facilities.

Once your child starts playing regular rounds, golf shoes can provide better grip and stability on grass.

Fit is particularly important for growing feet.

Shoes that are too large can affect stability. Shoes that are too tight can become uncomfortable during a long round.

Socks should also fit properly and stay in place while walking.

Clothing requirements for junior golf tournaments

Tournament dress codes are often more specific than those for regular club rounds. Here’s what some of the main junior golf organisers require.

Western Province Golf (WPG)

Western Province Golf requires players to wear appropriate golf clothing during competitions, including official practice rounds.

Players are expected to follow the dress code of the host golf club, along with any additional tournament requirements.

WPG’s published competition terms state that incorrectly dressed players may not be permitted to play.

What to check: Make sure your child’s golf shirt, shorts or trousers, and footwear meet the requirements before arriving at the tournament.

GolfRSA Championships

GolfRSA championships have formal clothing requirements covering shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts and footwear.

Published championship instructions require players to wear appropriate golf clothing and maintain a neat appearance.

Boys are generally required to keep their shirts tucked in. Clothing requirements also apply during official practice rounds.

What to check: Read the championship information document, particularly the dress code and any requirements for official practice days.

U.S. Kids Golf tournaments

U.S. Kids Golf publishes a detailed dress code for junior players.

Its rules include:

• Shirts: Collared golf shirts or other approved golf tops. Shirts generally need to be tucked in, with an exception for appropriately fitted girls’ tops.
• Shorts and skorts: Must be an appropriate length. Gym shorts and denim are not permitted.
• Shoes: Golf shoes or other permitted footwear. Metal spikes are prohibited.
• Headwear: Caps and visors must be worn with the brim facing forward.

The dress code also applies to caddies, which is particularly relevant if you’re accompanying your younger child during a tournament.

School golf competitions

School golf can have additional clothing requirements, particularly when your child represents a school or combined team.

Some teams have designated golf shirts, while others may allow players to wear their own suitable golf clothing.

Even when your child wears school colours, their clothing must still meet the requirements of the host club and competition.

What to check: Ask the teacher or team manager whether your child needs a school golf shirt, specific colours or other team clothing.

What to check before a tournament

• Shirts: Is a collar required? Must shirts be tucked in?
• Shorts and trousers: Are there rules about style or length?
• Shoes: Are golf shoes compulsory?
• Team clothing: Does your child need a school or provincial golf shirt?
• Branding: Are sponsor logos or large clothing logos restricted?
• Weather: Will your child need warm layers or rainwear?

Buying junior golf clothing in South Africa

You can find kids golf clothing at specialist golf shops, sports retailers and online stores.

Some items, such as plain polo shirts and shorts, may also be available from ordinary clothing retailers.

More specialised products, including golf shoes, waterproof jackets and golf skorts, may be easier to find through golf or sports brands.

Finding affordable junior golf clothing

Junior golf clothing can be expensive, particularly when you’re buying several outfits for tournaments.

However, not every item needs to come from a specialist golf brand.

A plain collared shirt may be suitable for lessons and club rounds. The same applies to tailored shorts or trousers that meet the dress code.

If your child plays regularly, having a few outfits that can be mixed and matched is more practical than buying complete matching sets.

Buy, sell and pass on secondhand junior golf clothing

We’ve created the Junior Tee Golf – Secondhand Junior Golf Gear Facebook group for golf families across South Africa.

It’s for all kids golf clothing that’s ready for another child.

You can buy, sell or pass on preloved junior golf clothes but also gear like, bags, trolleys, shoes, rain gear and other junior golf equipment.

The group is for private sellers only, with no dealers, bulk resellers or unrelated advertising.

Join the Facebook group →

The Junior Tee provides the group as a community space. We don’t inspect or verify items, handle payments or take part in transactions. Buyers and sellers make their own arrangements and should carry out their own checks.

How much golf clothing does your child need?

That depends on how often they play.

If your child attends one lesson a week, one or two suitable outfits may be enough.

If they play several times a week, extra shirts and shorts become more practical.

Tournament schedules also make a difference. Playing two or three days in a row requires more clothing than an occasional club round.

There’s no set number of golf shirts, shorts or jackets your child should own.

We tend to buy according to playing schedule, replacing items as our son grows and adding clothing when he needs it.

A final thought

Our son’s golf clothing has changed quite a bit since his first lessons.

These days, we pay more attention to how clothes fit, how they handle the weather and whether they’re comfortable during a full round.

We’ve also learned which items he wears regularly and which ones spend most of their time in the cupboard.

If your child is just starting out, check what their club requires and buy clothing that suits how often they play.

You’ll soon get a better idea of what they actually use.

FAQ’s about kids golf clothing