As the official fashion correspondent for Pickleball.com, it's my duty to report on the hottest looks being sported by the best players on the planet.

We won't be talking clothing this time around, though, because something else caught my attention that deserves a more lengthy discussion.

It's Tyler Loong's decision to cut off several inches of hair and go blond.

The Salt Lake City, UT native previously had dark brown hair that was growing so long that he wore a headband for several tournaments over the summer.

The flowing locks and headband became a staple of his on-court style.

On Aug. 20, however, Loong posted a photo on Instagram debuting the shocking change that made him almost unrecognizable at first glance.

As for the reason behind the drastic switch, he explained that it was the result of a “midlife crisis.” 

“A lot of people didn’t think your hair was real until they saw it in person,” said Loong's co-host, Jimmy Miller, during a recent episode of the King of the Court Podcast.

Loong officially debuted his blond hair at the PPA Tour's Las Vegas Pickleball Cup.

Personally, I'm good with it, but who would’ve thought that a haircut by a professional pickleballer would spark so much chatter? 

When Loong played alongside Connor Garnett in a brown and black fit, the always enjoyable @memesofpickelball account compared his overall look to beloved Flintstones character Barney Rubble.

PickleballTV sideline reporter, Hannah Johns, mentioned that Loong's hair reminded her of a boy band member. Backstreet's back, alright!

Miller added that Ken - of Barbie and Ken fame - came to mind.

Followers in Loong’s comment section also noted the resemblance to rapper Eminem, referring to him as “The Real Slim Shady.”

"The best comment I get with my hair is that people come up to me and say, ‘Don’t listen to the haters, I love your hair.’ I actually feel like people like the hair," said Loong. "There’s been very few people that are actually negative about it."

Affectionately known as the "Erne King" on tour, he now has plenty of new nicknames to add to his list.

How do you feel about Tyler's new hairstyle? Let us know on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).