The recent increase in golf coverage on television has left many fans feeling overwhelmed. The continuous flow of major tournaments, regular tours, and various golf events can be quite intense. While some enthusiasts enjoy the abundance of golf content, others might be experiencing fatigue from watching regular tournaments on the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, as well as The Open and now Golf at the Olympics, if they have access.
As an observer, it appears that there might be a change in dress regulations. Professional golf in modern times has been known to follow the sun around the world. Perhaps it's time to review the case for allowing professionals on all tours to wear shorts during tournament play, if they choose. LIV Golf has already pioneered this move, and in Pro-Ams and practice, most tours allow shorts. This change has been well received by everyone.
An example this week is at Le Golf National in Paris, where temperatures are in the 80s and most fans, caddies, and volunteers are wearing shorts. The question is, what is the problem if pros find it more comfortable and choose to wear shorts? Consider Japan's Kieta Nakajima, currently ranked 94th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and 28th in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai Rankings. Nakajima showed up for his first round in shorts, only to be informed by officials that trousers were required, leading to a frantic scramble by his support team to find an appropriate pair of trousers for him to wear.
With so many other current issues in the world of golf, could this not be a quick win if the rules for the game are more flexible? If players want to still wear long trousers, they can, but the choice should be left to the player himself. The other observation is the rule that shirts must be tucked-in. One of the players, Guido Migliozzi, representing Italy at the Olympics, almost wore his golf shirt outside. It might be termed a fashion statement in the fashion capital of the world. Another look at some of the other players shows their shirts half-in, half-out!
A glance at the guide regulations of some UAE golf clubs suggests that they mostly require shirts to be tucked-in. It can be argued that the tucked-in policy may not always be enforced. If that is the case, why are the guidelines in existence? While tradition, etiquette, and the like are very much part of the game, perhaps it's time for both the professional tours and the golf clubs in the region to reconsider some of their long-standing regulations.
A final thought: it's worth considering that golf needs to evolve and adapt to the times in all aspects. As traditions and standards are challenged, embracing change could help make the sport more inclusive and appealing to a broader audience.
