The Short Story
Darren Clarke
The European Ryder Cup captain was instrumental in getting the new rule passed. Here he is wearing shorts for a practice round at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Championship, the first event in which the policy was officially put in place.
Rickie Fowler
With the August 2012 issue, Fowler became the third man to wear shorts on the cover of Golf Digest.
Rickie Fowler
An outtake from Fowler's cover shoot.
Adam Scott
Adam Scott was photographed for this July 2011 cover near his home in the Bahamas.
Adam Scott
Scott has long been admired for his game and personal style.
John Elliott, Jr.
Elliott's legs on this August 1989 cover marked a first for Golf Digest. Apparently they weren't afraid to show some thigh back then.
Tiger Woods
Woods has often said he prefers wearing shorts for casual rounds. Here he is in the 2005 Tavistock Cup.
Charl Schwartzel
Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion. Did he ever wear shorts with the green jacket?
Luke Donald
Always one of the most stylish players on tour, Luke Donald can do casual effectively as well.
Graeme McDowell
We love the shorts, although we're going to need a ruling on the black socks and white shoes.
Ian Baker Finch
Ian Baker-Finch has stepped away from competitive golf to focus on a career in broadcasting. Apparently that has allowed for more time working on his leg tan.
Ernie Els
Els alongside his son Ben. Are those -- gasp! -- cargo shorts?
Tony Romo
The Cowboys QB mixes the old-school hat with an otherwise contemporary look.
President Obama
An unabashed golf enthusiast, the Prez received some heat early in his tenure for his choice of cargo shorts.
John Boehner and Joe Biden
When Obama played with House Speaker John Boehner, Vice President Joe Biden and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, he opted against naked knees.
Step Up Your Game
Can you pull off the shorts look? Check out our Golf Digest Style Guide for tips on how to make them work for you.