Golfers allowed to wear shorts for first time on European Tour
Scorching temperatures in South Africa this week means European Tour golfers will be playing in shorts.
History will be made at the Alfred Duhill Championship in South Africa this week with the European Tour giving the green light for players to wear shorts during tournament.
With temperatures expected to exceed 40°C at the Leopard Creek Country Club this week, the European Tour decided that in the interest of player comfort, wearing shorts will be permitted.
The European Tour site reported the decision was a unanimous one between tour and tournament organisers.
“It was discussed and we felt that in this situation it was a good move,” said the European Tour’s David Williams, who is this week’s Tournament Director.
“The temperatures will increase as the week goes on, which is uncomfortable and could be a health issue for the players. A lot of players were concerned about it. In these temperatures it can be pretty uncomfortable out there in trousers, so the feedback from the players has certainly been positive.”
Golfers have been permitted to wear shorts in pro-ams and practise rounds for some time now, but this is the first time that players will be allowed to wear shorts during tournament play of a European Tour event.
