European Tour approves the use of shorts during competition

The European Tour Players Committee met on Monday in Dubai to discuss different aspects of the current golf season. These are important conclaves, where decisions that affect rules, tournament formats or crucial behaviors on the Tour are made. For instance, this committee approved the restructuring of the final stretch of the Race to Dubai last year. 

However, the European Tour has adopted another historical measure that Golfer Paradise can advance. For the first time in golf history it will be allowed to wear shorts during official competition. This decision brings back a subject that just a few years ago seemed absolutely taboo. However, there will be some restrictions to this new rule.

Specifically, it will only be allowed during those weeks where the temperatures are above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 degrees Celsius. Until now there was no exception, players could not wear shorts during an official golf round at all. As from 2020 golfers will be allowed to wear shorts if these conditions are replicated, something that can happen easily in South Africa, the Desert Tour, some tournament in Australia and maybe during the months of June, July and August in Europe, although it is unlikely.

It should be pointed out that this measure will only be applied on the European Tour. Meaning that the rule will not be applied in those tournaments co-hosted by another golf tour, such as Majors, WGCs or Team Competitions.

The European Tour has been taking little steps to allow the use of wearing shorts in their tournaments. As you will remember, in 2016, at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, wearing shorts was allowed for the first time during practice rounds, a measure that later on would also be adopted by the PGA Tour.