​Scottie Scheffler spent the lead-up to the Scottish Open and The Open Championship openly praising UK golf, expressing his excitement to play links golf over the next couple of weeks and even suggesting that the PGA Tour should visit these kinds of venues more frequently. While in Scotland, the world number one took some time to play at North Berwick, one of the most storied golf clubs in the world. What happened there, however, sparked a wave of discussion across the golf world because some observers felt his choice of attire did not honor the venue’s long-standing traditions.
A video of Scheffler playing at North Berwick quickly circulated online, and a faction of golf fans criticized his clothing. The American was seen wearing gym shorts and a T-shirt as he approached one of golf’s most historic courses. On X, one observer wrote, “Must admit, it’s not a good look. Call me old-fashioned, but you need to respect the traditions of the game when playing a course like North Berwick.” That sentiment echoed across many replies, with others agreeing that a professional should dress more appropriately for a course of such stature. “It’s awful that he’d show up to play dressed like that. I don’t care what’s going on in the world or in golf; you’re a professional, you should show up in a golf shirt. Shorts are fine, but dress like a proper golfer, not some public course golfer,” one user argued.
Another post captured the same sense of discomfort, asking whether Scheffler’s appearance signaled a broader decline in golf’s traditions: “Scottie Scheffler visits one of the greatest and most sacred golf courses on earth… And wears a T-shirt and gym shorts. What is happening to the very fabric of our society? Is this how civilized society ends? What about the children?” This reaction reflected a belief among many fans that the occasion demanded a more formal presentation of attire.
Yet supporters of Scheffler argued for more flexibility in dress codes and athletic expression. “Let athletes be athletes,” one fan insisted, suggesting that dress codes should be relaxed so players can wear what they want and still perform at the highest level. Others contended that Scheffler did not even look like he had come to play seriously, interpreting the appearance as more casual than competitive. “Clearly, he wasn’t planning to play. I doubt very much those are his clubs. NB asked him if he would hit a few on camera? Poor by NB when they are otherwise so strict with their rules,” another commenter noted.
There are those who believe that Scheffler’s status as the world’s top player affords him a different set of expectations from the average golfer. “Not a club pro on this earth is going to turn a world No. 1 away. He’s playing by a different set of rules from us, buddy,” one fan offered, underscoring the perception that top players are afforded leeway regarding attire.
In the end, the discourse around Scheffler’s North Berwick visit highlighted a broader tension between tradition and modern athleticism in golf. Scheffler has stressed his willingness to embrace the traditional elements of the game, including wearing trousers in hot Texas weather, to reflect the professional standard. The incident at North Berwick, though not the most significant violation, nonetheless raised questions about whether players of Scheffler’s caliber should be held to a higher standard of sartorial respect when visiting historic venues. It isn’t presented here as the most egregious act in golf etiquette, yet it remains a point of disappointment for those who argue that such venues deserve a more ceremonious presentation.
As Scheffler continues his schedule with a strong emphasis on the opportunities available in UK links golf over the coming weeks, the conversation about attire at historic courses is likely to persist. The broader takeaway is not a call for punishment or removal of players from competition, but a reflection on how the sport honors its legacy while continuing to evolve with the times. For fans who value tradition, this episode reinforces the importance of presenting oneself in a manner befitting famous venues like North Berwick; for those who champion modern athletic expression, it serves as a reminder that the game is increasingly welcoming to a wider range of personal styles.