Euro Tour OKs shorts for practice round, Spieth wants option on PGA Tour
It’s now OK to show some leg on the European Tour.
Chief executive Keith Pelley announced Wednesday that the tour’s Tournament Committee had given the green light to allow its players to wear shorts during practice rounds and pro-ams.
The decision came a week after players competing in the EurAsia Cup — the Europe vs. Asia equivalent of the Ryder Cup — in Malaysia implored tournament organizers to allow them to wear shorts in the sweltering Malaysian heat. Officials declined European team captain Darren Clarke’s request, so the Ulsterman turned to Pelley, who gave the go-ahead. Several players adopted the shorts last week and continued wearing them on Tuesday at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship ahead of the 15-person committee vote.
With the official approval shared on pro-am day, many more players ditched the slacks for shorts in the warm temperatures in the United Arab Emirates.
Rory McIlroy, who is making his 2016 debut this week, is a big fan.
“I think it’s a good idea to let guys wear shorts in practice rounds,” McIlroy said. “I don’t think it should be too big a deal. You look at every other sport and people are allowed to expose their legs, so I don’t see why we’re not allowed to, either.”
Jordan Spieth, who is making his tournament debut this week, hopes the PGA Tour is watching and will adopt a similar policy.
“I think it’s awesome,” Spieth said of the new policy. “It will be something that I would love to see on the PGA Tour, as well. I’ve not heard one person complain about it.”
In a statement to Golfweek, PGA Tour official Ty Votaw said their no-shorts policy remains in place. Meanwhile, Spieth didn’t find out in time on Wednesday to bring his shorts to host Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“I did not get the memo or I would not be wearing pants right now,” he said. “It’s a great move. I just wish my hotel was closer. I would have gone back.”
McIlroy wouldn’t mind if the Tour decided to give the green light to shorts during tournament rounds, which is really only seen during U.S. Open qualifying rounds.
“Why not?” McIlroy said. “I don’t think it takes anything away from the tradition of the game or etiquette or how guys look on the course.”
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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