Masters Rookie Commits Fashion Blunder At Augusta National

(Image credit: Getty Images)

last updated 14 July 2022

Making his Masters debut at Augusta National, PGA Tour winner, Talor Gooch, endured a slightly embarrassing moment when, whilst putting on the practice green on Saturday afternoon, he was informed by the co-head pro J.J. Weaver, that he wasn't allowed to wear shorts on the course or indeed any of the facilities at Augusta National.

Gooch, who claimed the RSM Classic in November 2021 to qualify for the event, had been putting for around 15 minutes before Weaver came over and informed him. Thankfully, only a few moments later, a pair of black rain trousers arrived, which Gooch put over his shorts to continue his practice.

Gooch hits a drive — Gooch's best finish at a Major came at the 2021 Open Championship, where he finished tied-33rd

The incident, which was reported by David Westin, a writer at The Augusta Chronicle, then stated that the shorts rule is not just for Masters Tournament participants like Gooch, but members and their guests, as well. The rule even carries over to the volunteer day held in May.

Along with the ban on shorts, Augusta National also has a number of rules that must be followed. These include a complete ban on mobile phones, running and wearing a cap backwards.

Patrons line the 16th hole during a practice round prior to the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament

Whether Gooch forgot, or didn't know about the rule of no shorts at Augusta National, we can't be too sure. However, on the PGA Tour at least, golfers are allowed to wear shorts during the practice rounds, with caddies also allowed to wear them during practice rounds and tournament rounds.

However, at the Masters, caddies must wear their white jumpsuits at all times on the course and practice area.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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