Why Custom Golf Shirts Matter for Your Event
A well-chosen golf shirt sets the tone for any tournament, corporate outing, or team event. It’s the one piece of apparel that every participant wears, every sponsor sees, and every photo captures. The right golf shirt looks professional, feels comfortable through 18 holes, and represents your brand or organization with style.
But choosing the right golf shirt involves more than picking a color. Fit, fabric, and customization all play a role in how your shirts look and perform on the course. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect golf shirts for your next event.
Understanding Golf Shirt Fits
Golf shirts come in three main fit categories, and choosing the right one depends on your audience and the formality of your event.
Slim Fit
Slim fit golf shirts are tapered through the chest, waist, and arms for a modern, athletic silhouette. They look sharp and polished, making them a popular choice for corporate events and younger demographics. Keep in mind that slim fit can feel restrictive for some body types, so it’s best when you know your group trends toward athletic builds.
Regular Fit
The most versatile option, regular fit golf shirts offer a balanced cut that works for the widest range of body types. There’s enough room through the torso for a comfortable golf swing without excess fabric that looks sloppy. When in doubt, regular fit is the safest choice for mixed groups.
Relaxed Fit
Relaxed fit shirts provide the most room through the body and arms. They’re ideal for casual charity tournaments, company picnics with a golf component, or any event where comfort is the top priority. Relaxed fit shirts also tend to be the most forgiving across a wide size range.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric of your golf shirt affects comfort, appearance, and how well your custom design holds up over time. Here are the most common options:
100% Polyester (Moisture-Wicking)
Polyester performance polos are the standard for athletic golf shirts. They wick moisture away from the skin, dry quickly, resist wrinkles, and hold color exceptionally well. Modern polyester golf shirts feel nothing like the scratchy polyester of decades past. They’re smooth, breathable, and lightweight. Best for: hot-weather events, athletic groups, and shirts that will see heavy use.
Cotton-Polyester Blend
Blended fabrics combine the soft, natural feel of cotton with the durability and moisture management of polyester. A 60/40 or 65/35 cotton-poly blend gives you the best of both worlds. The cotton provides breathability and a classic hand feel, while the polyester adds wrinkle resistance and shape retention. Best for: corporate events, client gifts, and groups that prefer a traditional polo feel.
100% Cotton Pique
Pure cotton pique polos have a classic, textured look and feel that many golfers prefer. They’re breathable and comfortable but tend to wrinkle more easily and absorb (rather than wick) sweat. They also shrink more in the wash. Best for: upscale events, gifts, and situations where appearance matters more than performance.
Moisture-Wicking Blends
Some manufacturers offer proprietary blends that incorporate spandex or elastane for stretch, along with moisture-wicking treatments. These shirts offer excellent range of motion for the golf swing and advanced moisture management. Best for: serious golfers and premium event shirts where performance is a priority.
Key Features to Consider
- Collar style: A structured collar that stays upright looks more professional in photos. Avoid shirts with collars that curl or lay flat after a few washes.
- Button placket: Two or three buttons is standard. Some modern styles feature a hidden button placket for a cleaner look.
- Side vents: Small slits at the hem allow the shirt to move more freely and lay flat whether tucked or untucked.
- UV protection: For outdoor events in sunny climates, look for shirts with a UPF rating to protect participants from sun exposure.
- Color range: Make sure your chosen shirt is available in a color that matches your brand or event theme. White, navy, black, and heather gray are always safe choices.
Top Golf Shirt Brands for Custom Orders
These brands consistently deliver quality golf shirts that are popular for custom printing and embroidery:
- Port Authority: Excellent range of polo styles from budget to premium, with consistent sizing and great print results.
- Nike Golf: Premium brand recognition with Dri-FIT technology. Higher price point, but the brand cachet adds perceived value to corporate events.
- Adidas Golf: Performance-focused polos with modern styling. The three-stripe branding is subtle and professional.
- Under Armour: Tech Polo line offers superior moisture wicking and a modern athletic fit that younger demographics prefer.
- Sport-Tek: Budget-friendly performance polos that punch above their weight in quality. Great for large group orders.
- Gildan DryBlend: The most affordable option for large events. Reliable quality at the lowest per-shirt cost.
Custom Golf Shirts for Your Event
Custom printed or embroidered golf shirts transform a casual round into a memorable, branded experience. Here’s how to get the most out of your custom golf shirts:
For Tournaments
Tournament golf shirts typically feature the event name and logo on the chest, with sponsor logos on the sleeves or back. Choose a performance polyester fabric that keeps players comfortable, and select a color that photographs well against the green of the course. Consider printing the date and course name for a keepsake participants will actually wear again.
For Corporate Outings
Corporate golf shirts should balance professionalism with comfort. A cotton-poly blend in your company colors, with a tasteful logo on the left chest, creates a polished look. For client-facing events, investing in a premium brand like Nike or Under Armour signals that your company values quality.
For Charity Events
Charity golf shirts often serve double duty as the event uniform and a take-home memento. Bold designs with the charity’s mission or cause printed on the back can spark conversations and raise awareness long after the event. Bright, eye-catching colors help with photos and social media.
For Team Building
Team golf shirts can be fun and creative. Consider assigning different colors to different teams, printing team names and player nicknames, or adding humorous slogans. The goal is to build camaraderie, so don’t be afraid to have fun with the design.
How to Order Custom Golf Shirts
- Choose your shirt style and brand based on the fit, fabric, and budget guidelines above.
- Open the ooShirts design tool and select your chosen polo shirt.
- Upload your logo or create a design using the built-in text, clipart, and design tools.
- Place your artwork on the chest, back, sleeves, or any combination.
- Select sizes for your group and review the proof to make sure everything looks right.
- Submit your order and let ooShirts handle the rest. Your custom golf shirts will arrive ready for tee time.
Sizing Tips for Group Orders
Ordering golf shirts for a group means accommodating a range of body types. Here are some tips to get sizing right:
- Collect sizes in advance. Don’t guess. Send a size survey to all participants at least two weeks before you need to place your order.
- Order a few extras in M, L, and XL. These are the most commonly requested sizes, and having spares avoids last-minute issues.
- Check the brand’s size chart. Sizing varies between manufacturers. A Large in Gildan fits differently than a Large in Bella+Canvas.
- Consider ordering samples. If your order is large enough, request one or two samples to check fit, color, and print quality before committing to the full run.
Make Your Next Golf Event Memorable
The right golf shirt is more than just a uniform. It’s a statement about your event, your organization, and your attention to detail. Whether you’re organizing a charity scramble, a corporate outing, or a league tournament, custom golf shirts from ooShirts give your event a professional, cohesive look that participants will remember.
Start designing your custom golf shirts now with the free ooShirts online design tool. With a wide selection of brands, styles, and colors, you’ll find the perfect polo for your event at a price that fits your budget.