Erik van Rooyen has played himself into contention again at a major championship, building on a T-8 finish at the 2019 PGA Championship in May to sit on 4-under 138 at Royal Portrush in the British Open Championship.
But all anyone wanted to talk about with Erik van Rooyen after a Friday 68 was his jogger pants.
The South African caused quite a stir on social media with his jogger-style trousers and his no-show socks with white shoes. The joggers exposed his ankles and lower calves, and it seemed to bother a lot of people. Though there were a fair number of people who also liked the joggers, similar to what Rickie Fowler tried to make popular a few years ago.
After his second round on Friday, van Rooyen was asked six -- six! -- questions about his pants, which are made by Greyson Clothier. Their Montauk jogger sells for $145, and the company describes it as a sport-dress pant. The joggers come in a variety of colors and styles, including a couple of patterns.
Having previously been with Nike, van Rooyen is now donning these pants, and he likes 'em.
"I've got a few different colors. I started wearing them this year," he said. He added, "I like the fact that it's a little bit different yet still classy at the same time. It's not out there and whacky with a bunch of flashy colors and that kind of thing. But it is different and I like it."
Another reporter asked van Rooyen if the R&A had said something to him about his attire, which, frankly, is a stupid question since they're actual pants.
"No governing bodies, no," he said. "I'm kind of glad they haven't stepped up and asked me about it. But I get crack from all the players on Tour all the time, and that's okay. I can handle it."
As anyone in the fashion world will tell you, a good chunk of your style is your confidence in wearing something. EVR's cool with what he's got on.
"If you're going to wear it, you've got to own it," he said. "I feel like I'm owning it."
