Rickie Fowler made a fashion statement on Friday at the 2019 Farmers Insurance Open. Fowler wore his Puma Golf shirt, part of the company's new Play Loose collection, untucked in his second round at Torrey Pines near San Diego.
The untucked button-down shirt caught a lot of attention, both because of the surf-inspired print but also because the bottom of the shirt wasn't inside his pants.
As it turns out, Fowler, who planned with Puma to wear this shirt on this day, had to seek the PGA Tour's permission to go out on the course with -- gasp -- an untucked shirt.
That may seem kind of silly to some people, but the PGA Tour actually has a regulation in the player handbook concerning player appearance. It's part of the conditions of PGA Tour membership. However, the guideline is rather vague. It says player :shall present a neat appearance in both clothing and personal grooming. Clothing worn by players shall be consistent with currently accepted golf fashion."
It's up to the tournament director to determine if a player is in violation of this standard.
Fowler confirmed that he sought (and received) permission from Tour to wear untucked shirt today in competition. Button down is part of @PUMAGolf “Play Loose” collection. pic.twitter.com/P3yIlnzkPs
— Will Gray (@WillGrayGC) January 25, 2019
The Play Loose collection is more than a shirt; it's a head-to-toe series of looks to emphasize a fun and laid-back approach to the game. There are shirts, a hoodie, several hats, belts, footwear and more.
This week won't be the last time we see Fowler wearing pieces from the Play Loose collection. Fowler will wear them at The Honda Classic, as part of the Florida Swing in March.