I apologize if this has been previously covered and shut down due to it being a controversial topic, but there should be a minimum number of belt loops on a pair of shorts to be still called “golf shorts.”
I prefer 6 loops on a pair of golf shorts, but the absolute minimum should be 5. I have some with 5 loops that are strategically placed to hold up my pants while my significant girth repeatedly bends up and down over a 3 hour round (optimistic, I know).
I would even be ok with this minimum being adjusted by waste size. Size small and medium? Sure, 4 loops will work. But seriously, I have a size 42 pair of “golf shorts” with 4 belt loops and 11” spacing on belt loops is inadequate. God forbid I break one of those 4 in a round; that was an emergency type of situation for all that never needs repeated.
There also need to be a minimum standard to loop placement based on size. There MUST be loops placed on both sides of the butt crack in size 38 and above (photo attached). That will allow a normal strength belt to keep someone wearing that size of shorts from showing their butt when bending over to tee the ball.
If the USGA really wants to help the average golfer, they would stop tinkering with the rule book and come up with some kind “German Beer Purity Law” in regards to golf apparel. Once they fix the belt loop regulations, they need to move onto minimum thickness for “athletic socks” and UPF 50 minimum for all “golf shirts”
I prefer 6 loops on a pair of golf shorts, but the absolute minimum should be 5. I have some with 5 loops that are strategically placed to hold up my pants while my significant girth repeatedly bends up and down over a 3 hour round (optimistic, I know).
I would even be ok with this minimum being adjusted by waste size. Size small and medium? Sure, 4 loops will work. But seriously, I have a size 42 pair of “golf shorts” with 4 belt loops and 11” spacing on belt loops is inadequate. God forbid I break one of those 4 in a round; that was an emergency type of situation for all that never needs repeated.
There also need to be a minimum standard to loop placement based on size. There MUST be loops placed on both sides of the butt crack in size 38 and above (photo attached). That will allow a normal strength belt to keep someone wearing that size of shorts from showing their butt when bending over to tee the ball.
If the USGA really wants to help the average golfer, they would stop tinkering with the rule book and come up with some kind “German Beer Purity Law” in regards to golf apparel. Once they fix the belt loop regulations, they need to move onto minimum thickness for “athletic socks” and UPF 50 minimum for all “golf shirts”
