Rory McIlroy’s first appearance as a member of the 16-person PGA Tour’s Players Advisory Council (PAC) has seen the unanimous vote to finally allow players to wear shorts during practice and pro-am rounds.
It has taken two-years to catch-up after a similar decision made in January, 2016 by the European Tour equivalent body representing the interest of all the players, so now we have common sense finally prevailing on the PGA Tour and given the PGA Tour hosts tournaments at some real hotspots compared the majority of European Tour destinations.
The PAC had it’s first meeting of the New Year at 4pm (local time) last Tuesday ahead of the Genesis Open and with committee newcomer McIlroy rushing back to the Riviera course after watching TV coverage in his hotel room of Manchester United losing their Champions League encounter to PSG.
“It’s a good decision and it makes the guys a lot more comfortable,” he said.
Rory McIlroy, Kevin Streelman, Phil Mickelson and their caddies wearing shorts at last year’s PGA Championship
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with professional golfers showing the lower half of their leg (smiling).”
The decision that takes effect this week at the WGC – Mexico Championship though the new ruling comes,and excuse the pun, with some strings attached.
Per the guideline, shorts must be knee-length, tailored and neat in appearance. Compression leggings worn underneath shorts must be solid in colour.
Long pants remain required for all official competition rounds.
The PGA of America has also allowed players to wear shorts during practice rounds at the PGA Championship the last two years.
In 1999, caddies on the PGA Tour were first allowed to wear shorts during competition days.
Monday’s announcement follows many years of discussion. Players, fans, sponsors and tournaments provided positive feedback to allow the wearing of shorts during non-competition days.
Tiger Woods was asked last year during a Facebook Live interview for his view on the topic.
“I would love it,” Woods responded. “We play in some of the hottest climates on the planet. We usually travel with the sun, and a lot of our events are played in the summer.”
