Whalebone Golf Club in Essex has scrapped its traditional dress code as part of a broader effort to make the sport more accessible and welcoming.

The masterminds behind this move are co-founders Edward Blacker and PGA professional George Lings, and they explained their thought process to Andrew Robson of Bunkered.

“We looked honestly at the barriers that still exist in golf and asked ourselves what really matters,” Blacker said. "The answer was simple: people want to feel comfortable, included, and able to enjoy the game on their own terms."

The Romford venue has undergone a lot of changes since it was acquired by Blackedge Golf and British Ensign Golf in 2025, according to Andrew Robson of Bunkered.

The changes extend beyond the dress code. Since the ownership change, the club has introduced footgolf, whale-themed mini-golf, and beginner-focused coaching sessions.

“Young people want sport to feel social, flexible, and welcoming. If golf feels too formal or too difficult to access, you lose them before they start. We’ve tried to create an environment where people can discover the game naturally and enjoy it at their own pace,” Lings said.

Formerly known as Golf Kingdom Chadwell Heath, brings about revolutionary change with the dress code, making the sport accessible, and changing its culture.

They have also implemented a policy for kids that has further broken the barriers in the sport.

Whalebone's simple policy is getting more families onto the course

Earlier this month, Baz Plummer of Golf Monthly reported that Whalebone Golf Club has encouraged junior participation with an interesting inclusivity policy. Children can play for free at the course after 4 pm every single day.

“What’s been encouraging is that people understand this isn’t about lowering standards - it’s about widening access. Members have seen more families, beginners, and younger people getting involved, and that creates a better atmosphere for everyone,” said general manager Ashley Maistry.

The excessive financial investment to start in the game of golf builds a significant barrier to increased participation. This policy has certainly removed that barrier.

“We’re already seeing more first-time golfers coming through the doors, especially younger people and families. The biggest success for us is repeat participation - people trying golf once and then actually wanting to come back,” he added.

By removing traditional dress requirements and introducing family-focused initiatives, Whalebone hopes to attract more newcomers while making the game feel less intimidating for first-time golfers.

What are your thoughts on the dress-code move by Whalebone Golf Club? Share them in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey