Mark Wahlberg forced to change socks before playing golf at Sydney’s Elanora Country Club

When Mark Wahlberg turned up to the exclusive Elanora Country Club for a round of golf this month, he wasn’t allowed to play without changing out of an item of clothing he was wearing.

Mark Wahlberg has been playing plenty of golf in Sydney, typically plugging his Municipal clothing label via Instagram during a round.

However, he ran into trouble during a recent game at the exclusive Northern Beaches club, Elanora.

Many golf clubs have loosened up their dress regulations in recent years to cater to younger players’ preference for a less formal look. But not so Elanora.

Wahlberg made the mistake of turning up for his round wearing black socks with his shorts. That’s a no-go at Elanora.

“We have dress standards,” said general manager Cathy Neagle. “They do include white socks.”

A screen grab from a Mark Wahlberg Instagram story in which he promoting the brand Municipal, and had a dig gold course rules that don't allow black socks. Photo: @markwahlberg / Instagram

Mark Wahlberg and pro golfer Cam Smith in Hawaii in 2022. Picture: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

So Marky Mark had to get a little less funky. A pair of white socks was given to him by the pro shop.

Wahlberg has in recent weeks played courses including the state’s best, New South Wales, at La Perouse. Wahlberg wore black socks there too. But under trousers.

Elanora has bigger problems to deal with than a celeb in the wrong socks.

It can’t get its elite members’ private contact information off the internet.

Two months ago The Daily Telegraph revealed the ritzy country club’s program booklet – containing members’ mobile and home phone numbers – was online in its entirety.

Those whose numbers have been published include former chief justice of the Federal Court James Allsop and Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.

Neagle said the program was not posted online by the club. Rather, it was done by a US business. A cease and desist notice has been sent, but there has been no response so far.

“It’s very frustrating,” Neagle said.

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