It’s true that golf doesn’t have the most stylish of reputations. Argyle jumpers paired with shapeless slacks may cut a fine silhouette at the local British Legion, but these do little to represent modern menswear. Style ambassadors such as John Daly and Trainspotting’s Francis Begbie have done little to aid the cause. But this hasn’t always been the case.

Timeless classics such as the Harrington jacket were conceived as golf attire, while brands such as Lyle & Scott and Pringle of Scotland made their names at the tee. Back further still, knickerbockers and plus-fours were the mark of Victorian sporting sophistication – employing garish socks to show a flash of personality in an otherwise mundane outfit started long before City Boys adopted it.

Now, a new breed of brands are bringing golf attire up to date. Galvin Green, J.Lindeberg and Loro Piana are making a runway out of the fairway, using a range of fabrics that are weather-ready and cut in styles that allow a full range of movement, while still looking good.

Heritage fashion houses such as Dunhill Links produce seriously high-end lines using luxury fabrics, while the likes of Adidas and Nike make golf shoes that could easily keep a sneakerhead happy for 18 holes. Allow us to introduce you to a golfing wardrobe that keeps you in play both on and off the course.

Six Off The Tee: When Golf Attire Goes Wrong

Confusing ‘Loud’ With ‘Personality’

“Expressing yourself through style is to be applauded but embracing loud colours to get a reaction is not the way to go,” says style director Eric Down. “Keep it simple. Classic combos of white with black, grey or navy will always look sleek. If you want to introduce colour then keep it to two at most. You need to be able to see the flag; it does not need to see you on the tee box.”