15 Golf Clothes and Gear to Pack for The Masters

Golf fans know that April is kickoff month for The Masters, which means that golf season has officially arrived. As a longtime golf spectator and golf tournament attendee, I know firsthand just how tricky it can be to prepare for these events, due to both the variable nature of the game and unpredictability of spring weather. Despite growing up in Bermuda, an island that has more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world, attending my first golf tournament was a total reality check. While I initially felt prepared, donning a crossbody bag filled with sunscreen packets and my comfiest sneakers, there were many items I wished I’d packed (a rain jacket being one of them). 

While every golf course’s restrictions vary, I’ve created a standard blueprint packing list of the must-have necessities and golf clothes you should consider bringing to the green, including polarized sunglasses and moisture-wicking golf pants. Below, check out my guide on what to wear and pack for The Masters, PGA Tour, and beyond —  whether you’re watching from the stands, staking out a spot at hole 18, or following your favorite player on foot.

Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag

Before you start packing your bag for your next golf tournament, I advise checking the website of the specific course you’ll be attending in order to get the lowdown on any security restrictions it may have regarding personal items and bags. Case in point: The first tournament I ever attended, the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, allowed bags under 12 inches wide, while The Masters only allows bags smaller than 10 inches wide.

This small unisex belt bag, eight inches wide, satisfies both restrictions while still being spacious enough to pack a number of personal items for the day ahead. It can be worn as both a belt bag and a crossbody bag and comes in 42 colors, allowing you to find one that best matches your pre-planned golf ‘fit. 

Rhone Birdie Women’s Cropped Pants

Golfing bottoms are completely subjective: Some prefer shorts over pants, while others opt for a golf skirt. Regardless of your preference, just make sure the material of your desired bottoms is lightweight, stretchy, and comfortable. 

These women’s cropped pants from Rhone — also available in a men’s version —  are made with an antimicrobial, wrinkle-resistant fabric that has four-way stretch, provides UPF protection from the sun’s harmful rays, and fights odors, ensuring you’ll stay fresh all day long. The neat pintucks deliver an elevated aesthetic, too; while they’re branded as golf pants, all these qualities help them double as reliable travel pants. 

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, these Amazon golf pants tout similar features, like a stretchy, lightweight UPF 50+ fabric, and front and back pockets, but are on sale for just $35.  

Baleaf Women’s Ankle Golf Pants

Sorel Out ‘N About IV Low Waterproof Sneaker

If you’re a golf fan that doesn’t necessarily spend their free time playing golf, you don’t have to spend money on a pricey pair of golf shoes. In fact, I believe that comfortable sneakers are the best option for tournament goers, especially those who want to walk the course (I walked 20,000 steps myself at St Andrews). These courses are typically so gorgeous and exclusive that it’s worth exploring them while you have a ticket to be there.

These Sorel sneakers have similar features found in golf shoes but are versatile enough for any kind of trip. They offer tons of support and have a waterproof construction to help guard your feet against surprise showers, plus treaded rubber outsoles that will prevent you from slipping on morning dew that may have accumulated overnight.

Peter Millar Women’s Whitworth Sport Mesh Polo

Collared shirts are typical golf attire, both on the course and while lunching at the country club. Since many courses and clubs actually require patrons to wear collared shirts, spectators tend to follow this rule, too. Lightweight polos, like this $110 Peter Millar option, are not just stylish but also practical, as they are sweat-wicking and breathable in order to keep you cool throughout the day. 

We also love this $26 effortless Viodia option that is stretchy, quick-drying, and has a stylish quarter-zip neckline. It comes in sizes XS to XXL and 17 different styles, including golf-friendly patterns like argyle and bright colors perfect for spring. 

Viodia Women’s Golf Polo Shirt

Peter Thomas Roth SPF 45 Water Drench Cloud Sheer Tint Moisturizer

Just like TSA, many tournaments regulate the size of certain personal items you can bring in, including sunscreen. For this reason, you’ll want to apply plenty of sunscreen prior to your arrival at the course. That way, your reapplications can be done with a smaller amount of sunscreen.

This 1.7-ounce tube of SPF 45 sheer tint moisturizer from Peter Thomas Roth fits perfectly in a small bag and has a weightless application that can be layered easily throughout the day. I’d recommend bringing single-use packets of body sunscreen — like these disposable packets of Banana Boat sunscreens — in order to free up even more room in your bag. 

Rhone Women’s Course to Court Long-sleeved Quarter Zip Top

Most golf tournaments start in the early morning (Tip: arrive extra early so you can purchase your souvenirs and get situated before it gets crowded) and can end late in the day, so layers are key. While sweaters certainly do the trick, quarter zip pullovers are a golf staple for a reason: Usually constructed out of a performance jersey material, they’re not too bulky and provide coverage that you can easily remove once the sun rises higher in the sky.

This option from Rhone, $108, provides UPF 50+ sun protection, has thumbhold cuffs for extra warmth, and is made with a stretchy, midweight knit fabric that’ll keep you cozy on windy days without sacrificing comfort and movability. Alternatively, this Amazon option, on sale for $24, also provides UPF 50+ sun protection and comes in 23 vibrant colors and prints.

Luranee Women’s UPF 50+ Quarter Zip Top

REI Co-op Sahara Bucket Hat

When I attended the U.S. Open Tournament, I wore my own baseball cap — and then proceeded to buy another tournament-branded cap as a souvenir. Now that I know my way around these tournaments, I know that carrying around two baseball caps was an inconvenient pro golf faux pas. 

My advice? Leave the baseball cap at home and bring a bucket hat with a chin strap instead. These hats offer broader sun protection and can easily be taken on and off without having to carry it in your hands. You can still purchase a souvenir baseball cap at the gift shop, and if you feel like changing up your look, you can easily slip the baseball cap on while the bucket hat sits around your neck. This unisex bucket hat from REI, $43, is available in the shade Ecru, a neutral color that will look great with any outfit.

Darn Tough Women’s Run No-show Tab Socks 

Since you’re going to be clocking steps all day, you’ll want socks that are sweat-wicking, like this pair from Darn Tough. Made of a nylon and merino wool mix, these no-show socks are ultra-lightweight while still offering a terry cushion for extra comfort and support. Even though wool may seem like it would be a poor material choice on a warm day, it actually pulls moisture away from the skin, is naturally breathable, and is odor resistant for all-day comfort. 

The North Face Women’s Antora Rain Jacket

When you’re out in the middle of the course, anxiously awaiting a favorite player’s turn, the last thing you want to worry about is getting soaked from a rogue rain shower. Since golf tournaments happen rain or shine (they’re typically only suspended for thunder and lightning), it’s important to come prepared with a rain jacket that has a hood — like these options from The North Face and Amazon, respectively — so that you can stay as dry as possible all day long. 

Moerdeng Women’s Rain Jacket

Travel Chair Store Slacker Tripod Chair  

Did you know? For spectators who want to remain in one spot, most tournaments — The Masters included — permit foldable chairs. While I’ve personally never brought a chair of my own to a tournament (I enjoy the chance to follow multiple players on foot), those with mobility issues or who want a more relaxing viewing experience should know about this hack.

Like other items on this list, however, there is specific protocol in place regarding what kind of chairs you can bring. The PGA Chair Policy states that they must be collapsible and can not have arms or pointed ends. This foldable tripod chair, $33, is a great option and fulfills these requirements. This small but mighty chair expands to a 14-inch seating area and has a steel frame that can support up to 275 pounds.

Hayvenhurst RFID-blocking Slim Wallet 

When it comes to packing a day bag for The Masters, saving space is essential. Since you’ll certainly need a wallet that can hold your ID, credit card, and some cash for buying souvenirs, I recommend opting for a slim money clip that can fit easily in your pockets and won’t take up excess room in your bag. This Hayvenhurst design is made with RFID-blocking aluminum plates that provide extra protection against potential thieves. 

Jack Black Lip Balm SPF 25 3-pack

Since the golf season aligns with summer, it makes sense to stock up on SPF now, rather than later. I love this three-pack of lip-saving Jack Black SPF 25 Intense Therapy lip balms. Shiny and minty, these balms provide a gloss-like effect while protecting your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.

Purell Hand Sanitizer Variety 8-pack

Because golf tournaments draw in large crowds, they often only provide portable restrooms for public use. While some tournaments offer ensuite options for VIP attendees, porta potties are the norm for most patrons. I recommend packing plenty of hand sanitizer, since these restrooms can be challenging to keep tidy and well-stocked with soap. This eight-pack of Purell hand sanitizers come with clips that you can attach to your bag strap for quick access, saving valuable bag space in the process.

Wearme Pro Unisex Polarized Retro Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are a must-have for The Masters. Even if you’re attending a golf tournament on a cloudy day, the resulting glare can be really bright, since you’re constantly having to look up to the sky in order to try and follow the golf ball after a drive. These lightweight, unisex glasses come in four different shades and provide polarization as well as 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.

Off! Deep Woods Towelettes 2-pack

Not every course will require bug spray, but some courses are around more water than others. Depending on the time of year and day, bugs may be more active, so do a quick search of the tournament course you’ll be attending. Even if there are no bug warnings, you may want to slide one or two of these bug spray towelette packs in your bag as a precaution — they’re ultra thin and can add peace of mind.

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