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Scorching temperatures in South Africa prompted a sartorial decision from co-sanctioning bodies allowing Alfred Dunhill Championship competitors to sport shorts during competition.
In light of temperatures forecast to be hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) for much of the tournament at Leopard Creek Golf Club, the European Tour and South Africa’s Sunshine Tour announced the decision after consultation with players and tournament host Johann Rupert.
“It was discussed and we felt that in this situation it was a good move,” said David Williams, tournament director of the Alfred Dunhill Championship. “A lot of players were concerned about (the heat). In these temperatures it can be pretty uncomfortable out there in trousers, so the feedback from the players has certainly been positive.”
“We are very grateful to the European Tour for supporting this decision, and we’re excited about it,” said Selwyn Nathan, executive director of the Sunshine Tour. “We’re playing in Africa under beautiful sunshine, and as long as the dress code conforms with that of the club, then I think it will look very good. This is certainly a great decision for golf going forward.”
In 2016, the European Tour began allowing players to wear shorts during practice rounds and pro-ams. The PGA Tour adopted a similar policy in 2019.
Four-time major winner Ernie Els voiced support for the decision.
“It’s very nice when common sense comes into play,” the 50-year-old South African said. “It’s been talked about for so long on all of the tours around the world. Mr. Rupert is always a man who is forward-thinking and I think this could be a game-changer for golf which could end up enhancing the product.”
Thomas Bjørn, the 2018 European Ryder Cup captain, expressed similar support.
“Golf has been moving in this direction and because of the extreme heat we need to make it as comfortable for the players as we can,” he said. “We are very thankful for the tours and Mr. Rupert for supporting this decision. There are traditions in golf that will always be upheld, but we also need to try and make it easier for kids to get involved in the game and move with the times.”
Staff and Wire Reports