Who Wears Short (Golf) Shorts? You, Hopefully

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The quest for the perfect pair of golf shorts can feel like an almost existential struggle. Of course they need to be comfortable enough to wear for hours on the course, and offer a full range of motion for a powerful swing. But, is it too much to ask that they actually look good, too?

For a long time, it seems the answer to that question was, well, yes.

Most guys would wind up going one of two equally unstylish ways with their golf shorts: Wear traditional — read: long as hell — golf shorts like the kind your dad or boss wears. A pair that ends at your knees, if not hides them entirely. You feel a little dorky in them, but they get the job done.

Or, you could pull an Adam Sandler, and basically say F*ck it and play in oversize, sloppy basketball shorts. You’ll be comfortable but will probably get some dirty looks from the marshals…if they even let you on the golf course, depending on how conservative the club rules are.

Enter: the Malbon Scooter Short.

This game-changing style might just redefine what you expect from your golf gear.

image on the left of man wearing dark athletic shorts and a coach's jacket, on the right, a close-up of the shorts on their own

Solstice Scooter short in onyx, $110 | shop on Malbon

The details:

belt loops at soft, elastic waistband
side pockets
welt pockets on back with hidden zipper closure

A Perfect Inseam for the Modern Golfer

The inseam on the Scooter Short sits just above the knee, the perfect length for modern golfers who prefer a more athletic look and feel to their golf apparel. My husband wears them, and I always laugh when he sends me pictures from the course of him and his buddies because you could identify him from the waist down just because his inseam is so much shorter than the other players.

It’s not just about style, though. The shorter length effectively eliminates the bunching and discomfort that can come with longer inseams, while still providing enough coverage to keep your modesty intact.

Comfort is Key

The best men’s golf shorts for going short prioritize comfort. Crafted from a 90% nylon, 10% spandex blend of fabrics, you’ll get the stretch you’re used to from your favorite technical shorts.

The soft, lightweight material feels more like a pair of lounge shorts than traditional golf attire, ensuring you’ll stay comfortable throughout the round, no matter the temperature.

two images side by side: on the left, a close-up of the back of a pair of olive-colored performance shorts with "malbon" embroidered by the waist, and on the right, a view of the shorts from the front

Range Tested Scooter Short in sage, $110 | shop on Malbon

Built for Performance, Not Just Lounging

While they may feel like athleisure, these shorts were built for performance. The moisture wicking, durable fabric pulls sweat away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry for even the hottest days.

Classic Style with Modern Performance

Ultimately, these lightweight golf shorts deserve the title of best golf shorts precisely because of the mix of comfort, performance, and style. The colorways provide a touch of sophistication, while the subtle embroidered logo at the hem adds a hint of IYKYK brand recognition.

Pair them with a polo for a timeless look, or a modern golf tee for a more athletic vibe. The nice thing about these shorts is their versatility. You’ll seamlessly transition from the course to the clubhouse without needing a wardrobe change.