Shorts are back at the PGA Championship, and some fans are still not on board with the change. The players are only allowed to wear shorts during practice rounds, but that’s more than enough to rile up traditionalists, who decry the lax dress code as “uncomfortable,” “disgraceful,” and, of course, “weird.” The “grow the game” crowd, on the other hand, sees the move as a common sense approach that should be expanded to other pro events, a sign that golf can change with the times and attract a younger audience.
The policy was begun last year at the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. In 2016, the European Tour voted to allow players to wear shorts during practice rounds and pro-ams, a decision widely applauded by the players.
Most of the players support the initiative, including Dustin Johnson, even though he won’t be seen this week wearing shorts. That’s because he didn’t bring any with him. “I definitely forgot to pack them,” he said, on Tuesday.
Pro golfers playing in shorts is _____________. pic.twitter.com/YpZAa9sQ9s
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) August 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/coachkyle6/status/1026877752035749888
https://twitter.com/HoltBlogSports/status/1026894736924323840
It will not look right w/ the green jacket.
— roman (@Moe8421) August 7, 2018
Kinda weird…
— Stompdrum (@stompdrum) August 7, 2018