What is Smart Casual dress code?

I was reading in GM this month about a recent visit by readers and forum members visit to the Belfry.

I treated myself to play the PGA and Brabazon course back in August. I went up there with 3 friends for what we considered to be a real treat.

I checked their website and also phoned to check on dress code for the restaurant, bars and golf courses. Normal course attire I was told for the courses and 'smart casual' for the bars and restaurants.

So imagine my dismay when I found many people wandering around the place in flip-flops, jeans and t-shirts. Not only in the bar but in the evening in the restaurants.

I wouldn't mind if I had read 'anything goes' but I didn't. Can this level of dressing down be classified as smart casual or should these people have been turned away?

I felt a little cheated somehow. I know these 'offenders' were probably not golfers. But a dress code is a dress code. Surely the Belfry should either enforce it or scrap it?