THE EUROPEAN TOUR has moved to ‘modernise the game’ by allowing players wear shorts during practice days and the pro-am in the build-up to tomorrow’s Abu Dhabi Championship.
The tournament committee convened on Tuesday evening to discuss the matter and have given the green light for knee-lengths to be worn for the first time on The European Tour.
A host of players took advantage of the new initiative on the eve of the tournament with Ian Poulter, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick among those wearing shorts.
“The players have embraced it,” Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said. “Shorts are a natural evolution to help modernise the game. It puts our players first and our fans first as well.
“The fashion of golf is something that the youth adopt. We will have strong rules, but there will be some fashion statements, and it’s a great start.”
The PGA Tour has resisted calls to relax its strict dress code, although a rule change in 1999 permitted caddies to wear shorts.
Rory McIlroy has voiced his approval but expressed reservations about revealing his pasty white Irish legs.
“I like it,” McIlroy said. “I think it’s a good idea to let guys wear shorts in practice rounds.
“I probably just need a couple more weeks in the sun to get my legs out in public! I think all the guys enjoy wearing shorts, especially in practice, and especially if it gets hot, I think it’s a good idea.”
It may appear to be a fairly insignificant move but in a time-honoured sport which is shaped and governed by tradition, the allowing of shorts is a notable change.
Last week, Darren Clarke convinced European Tour chiefs to allow the European and Asian teams to wear shorts during the practice rounds for the EurAsia trophy which was played in oppressive humidity in Kuala Lumper.
