Following this week’s Executive Committee meeting – and taking onboard feedback from Members and tournament staff - a change to the Tournament Regulations on dress codes for prize presentations has been approved, meaning Members are no longer required to change into jacket and tie for prize presentations.
The decision to update regulations reflects an evolution in attitudes towards dress codes in wider society, and in particular golf clubs and professional sporting environments. The PGA has now aligned with that more modern outlook while at the same time seeking to maintain important standards.
On a practical and operational level, players getting changed can delay prize presentations, with fellow competitors and those in attendance often leaving the winner as the only player still present for the prize giving.
Additionally, many players now wear apparel featuring their sponsors' logos, and these sponsorships are a crucial source of revenue for Members. Allowing players to remain in their playing attire during prize presentations offers greater exposure for their affiliated brands, enhancing the commercial value of their partnerships.
With the policy having been inconsistently enforced over the years – to the understandable frustration of PGA Members – updating the regulations with immediate effect will ensure greater clarity and flexibility for PGA Members.
It should be noted that the wearing of shorts at presentation ceremonies is not permitted and if hosting club rules insist on jacket and tie within the clubhouse, these rules must be adhered to. If a hosting club requests jacket and ties are to be worn during prize presentations, this will be included in the conditions of the given tournament.
For reference, the Regulation 16.3 (Prize Presentations) now states that:
- When attending a prize presentation, all Members must observe the dress rules operating in the clubhouse at the time of any PGA tournament or as stated in the conditions of the tournament. The wearing of shorts at a prize presentation is not, however, permittable.
If you have any queries regarding the regulation, please contact the Tournament Department directly.
