Players get practice on short game as new European Tour rules offer a leg up

Golfers on the European Tour have a new item of clothing to pack in their suitcase. The tour confirmed it will allow players to wear shorts during practice rounds and pro-ams, after the policy was passed unanimously by a tournament committee in Abu Dhabi.

Ian Poulter backed the move, tweeting: “It’s 2016 not 1990. Get rid of the stuffy old rules that hold golf back. Make it more fun (for) everyone.” Players must still wear long pants in tournament play, although Rory McIlroy is open for that to change, too.

“Maybe. Why not?” McIlroy said. “It depends if guys are comfortable or not. I don’t think it takes anything away from the tradition of the game or etiquette or how guys look on the course.