Wearing a Polo to the Driving Range? Check the Shoulder Room and Length First

You're only halfway through your second bucket of balls, and you've already tucked your polo in four times. Every backswing tugs at the fabric across your back. After each swing, the hem creeps out a little further.

At the office this afternoon, the same polo was perfectly fine. Then again, your desk never asked you to turn your shoulders that far.

For a relaxed practice session at the driving range, the polo and cotton trousers you usually wear to the office are enough. There are just two conditions: the polo needs room across the shoulders and back, and it has to be long enough.

Make Sure Your Polo Has Room in the Shoulders and Back When You Swing

On the backswing, your shoulders turn until your back almost faces the target. One arm crosses in front of your chest. The fabric across your back has to stretch with you. A polo is made from knitted fabric, so it has more give than a button-up shirt. Even so, one that clings to your body will still restrict your movement.

Try it at home first, in front of a mirror. Hold a broomstick like a golf club and swing it slowly a few times. Pause for a moment at the top of the swing. You can't see your back, but you can feel it. If the fabric catches around your shoulder blades, or the collar gets dragged to one side, that polo is too tight to swing in.

The fix is usually simple: go up a size. The polos in the Rise Polo line, for example, have a regular fit that doesn't cling to the body. The size guide even recommends sizing up if you prefer a looser fit. True, on a bigger polo the shoulder seam will sit slightly past the edge of your shoulder. At the driving range, that doesn't matter.

Raise Both Arms, Then Check the Hem of Your Polo

A swing ends with both hands up high and your chest facing the target. In that position, the hem of your polo rides up too. With the broomstick still in hand, hold that end position and look in the mirror.

A tucked-in polo is held in place only by the part that sits inside your trousers. If the hem pops straight out, there isn't enough of it inside. Tuck it in deeper, tighten your belt a notch, or choose a longer polo.

It's fine if an untucked polo rides up far enough to show your belt. What you want to avoid is a strip of bare stomach or lower back peeking out as well. The person in the next bay is busy with their own ball. Don't give them anything else to look at.

When shopping online, measure an old polo that passes this test, then check that measurement against the length column in the size chart.

Choose Chinos with Room in the Thigh and Waist

Chinos (cotton twill trousers) are a safe choice from the waist down. As you set up to hit, your knees bend slightly and you lean forward from the hips. If the fabric pulls tight across your thighs in that position, or the waistband digs into your stomach, look for a roomier size.

Dark grey chinos with a khaki polo make a neat pairing you can wear straight from the office. You also won't look out of place next to players who turn up fully kitted out, golf glove and all.

One day, once you're regularly practising for hours under the midday sun, golf-specific clothing will be worth a look. For two buckets of balls after work, a polo that passes the broomstick test is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a T-shirt or jeans to the driving range?

At a public driving range, usually yes. A range that's part of a golf club sometimes follows the course's dress code, which means a collared top and no jeans. If in doubt, check with the range first. A polo and chinos are safe at both.

Do I need golf shoes for the driving range?

Not for a casual session. Flat-soled sneakers are fine. Running shoes with thick, cushioned soles can actually make your feet wobble as your body turns. Leave the sandals at home, because your feet need to stay firmly planted.

Is a short-sleeve or long-sleeve polo better?

Short sleeves give you the most freedom and are the coolest to wear. Long sleeves are handy in an uncovered bay while the late-afternoon sun is still fierce, because they protect your arms. If you start to feel too warm, just roll them up to the elbow.

Should I wear a cap?

A cap helps if your bay is uncovered and the sun hasn't gone down yet. Pick one that fits snugly so it doesn't shift every time you look down at the ball.

Should I bring a change of clothes?

If you have dinner plans afterwards, yes. Two buckets of balls in the humid late afternoon can be enough to soak the back of your polo. Pack a small towel in your bag too.