Golf shirt vs polo: what is the difference?

Same shirt, two names#

A polo is a knit shirt with a collar and a short placket of two or three buttons. Golf shirt is the name most people use for the same thing when they wear it on the course. Some brands use golf shirt for a polo in a lighter synthetic knit, but there is no fixed rule.

What a dress code means by a collared shirt#

When a course asks for a collared shirt, a golf polo is the safe answer. A mock neck is accepted at many courses, a crewneck tee usually is not where a collar is required, and denim is often ruled out. The golf dress code guide covers the common rules, but every course sets its own.

What separates one golf polo from another#

Fabric is the first thing to compare. Pique is the classic polo knit, with a fine textured surface and more body than T-shirt jersey. The Ninth Cotton Polo is a 100% combed ring-spun cotton pique at 6.2 oz/yd² (210 g/m²).

Then the collar and hem. A ribbed collar keeps a neat edge with the top button open, and a straight hem with side slits looks tidy worn out at the range and tucks in where the course asks for it.

Where to start#

One well-fitting polo in navy, white or black covers most rounds. Read how a golf polo should fit before you choose a size, then see the men's golf polos.