Gunsan CC Opens, First Ever Shorts-Wearing Event

KPGA Allows Players to Wear Shorts
Jang Yubin "Plans to Wear Shorts During Tournament"
Only Allowed in PGA Tour Pro-Am and Practice Rounds

Players will wear shorts at the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour Gunsan CC Open.

Jomin Kyu is taking a shot wearing shorts during the Gunsan CC open practice round.
[Photo by KPGA]

The Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) announced on the 10th that "players will be allowed to wear shorts at the Gunsan CC Open." The tournament organizing committee explained, "Due to the expected high humidity and heat during the tournament period, we decided to allow players to wear shorts during the competition this time as a consideration for the players." The Gunsan CC Open will be held for four days from the 11th to the 14th at the Gunsan CC Tournament Course (par 72, 7,460 yards) located in Gunsan, Jeonbuk.

This is the first time that players have been allowed to wear shorts in a KPGA Tour event. According to KPGA Tour regulations, players are allowed to wear shorts only during pro-am and practice rounds in tournaments held from June to September, and wearing shorts during the tournament period can be permitted after discussion with the organizers. However, shirts must be tucked into the pants, and shorts that are more than 10 cm longer or shorter than the knee level are not allowed. Training suit-style shorts are also prohibited.

The players' reactions to the news have been positive. Cho Min-kyu said, "The temperature is high this week, and especially the humidity at the tournament site is high," expressing support by saying, "It is a decision prioritizing the comfort of the players." Genesis Points No. 1 Jang Yoo-bin said, "It's really good. I didn't bring shorts this week, but my mother said she would bring shorts to the tournament site," adding, "I plan to wear shorts during the tournament." He also added, "I have worn shorts at the Asian Tour Hong Kong Open, BNI Indonesian Masters, and last year's Hangzhou Asian Games."

Currently, the U.S. Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) only allow shorts during pro-am and practice rounds. The DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) conditionally allows players to wear shorts depending on weather conditions at each tournament. LIV Golf and the Asian Tour allow shorts to be worn during the main tournament as well.