Spectators with cell phones and cams on the course

[roho]

Why is it cell phones and pocket digital cameras are allowed on the course these days during a tournament? The last tourney I went to they confiscated your phone at the gate and you got back when you left. This was quite awhile ago for a US Open however. Is it that everyone has one now or are they smuggling them in. It sure seems more players are backing off their shots because of the distraction.

[doubleagle2]

The PGA tour allows cell phones now they ask everyone to put them on silent and most do but there is always the few that don't. They had to do this because they felt people would not attend

[Golfnole3]

When I was at The Players on Saturday on every single teebox there would be 10+ people with their iPhones or smartphones out. The Marshalls would have to say before each group teed off "Please put all cell phones away while the players are teeing off." I remember on #18 a Marshall said this and one lady didn't put up her phone so he said it again and she got all exasperated and mad at him. I think that it's just a bad idea to have cell phones on the course at all. Just a big distraction...

[The Grifter]

Keep in mind a small percentage don’t know how to silence their phones.

[MtlJeff]

nothing you can do about it. It's true it probably would affect attendance if they weren't allowed. Look at when you fly, i mean you aren't supposed to have them on during takeoff but every time i fly anywhere people dont even hide the fact that they are using them. Cell phones are worse then crack for some people.

[GatorNate11]

If people know how to turn them on silent, it shouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't turn mine in or put it away, it's my phone and I can have it if I want to. People wonder why golf isn't a popular sport among younger kids, perhaps because of the way things are done, the cell phone thing being a good example of it.

[LeftyPrice]

I don't think cell phones should be that big of a deal, as long as they are on silent...I mean most people have business to take care of during the day, checking emails and sending texts should not be a problem...if people know when to use them, like after a group has tee'd off and your waiting on the next group to arrive. Not too hard, just common courtesy! Well, until people abuse the privilege and they ban them.

[Medic]

I was at The Player's Thursday and Friday - what an incredible experience! (Only the second time I have seen these guys "live and in person")

I too was amazed at how many morons out there openly disobeyed the order of the day - no photos of any kind. Every hole was the same. But what was really incredible was this one guy whose phone rang loud and clear on 11 tee as Phil was about to tee off. When a Marshall approached the guy and told him to put his phone on silence he said "I don't know how". The phone stopped ringing and the Marshall walked a couple of feet away. When he did this guy "whispers" to his buddy "Besides, they can't make me."

I too am 100% behind the idea of no phones during the tourney. Even though there were "Designated Cell Phone Zones" all over the place, people were walking around chatting on them, taking photos with them, and disturbing the overall experience.

Sadly, based on what I witnessed the guy was actually correct. Unless the PGA drastically changes how they view things, indeed "they can't make" anyone silence their phones.

[JWells]

Seriously I feel like some members of this board want the tournament spectator experience to be so dull and strict and quiet
Not that I think you should take pictures mid swing but sure there are times To get some photo's

[Greenie]

15 yrs ago when I went to Avenel in Md for the Kemper? you couldn't even have a cell phone on you. My wife was ready to give birth and I really needed my phone just in case of an early birth. They checked your bags and pockets for cells phones. I sneaked mine in down my pants. How things have changed...I can't imagine being at a tourney now with all the cell phone misuse going on.
When I'm in a meeting at work they always tell you to put your phones on vibrate and it never fails right after that several will ring. They had to ban them everywhere but the break room.

[SadTrombone]

If you can't go a few hours without being contacted by someone then you're either:
1) Too important (probably just in your own mind, but maybe in reality, too), or
2) Too busy
to attend.

Take the day/few hours off. Put the phone in your car. I promise, the world will not collapse without you being able to text your BFF "ZOMG I WAS ON TV RITE BEHIND TIGER DID U C ME? LOLZ". If someone calls, they'l either leave a message or you'll see a missed call after the event. More likely is that you'll have 15 text messages and facebook updates to tend to in the parking lot while the A/C cools off the interior for your drive home. None of those text messages will have anything to do with nuclear launch codes or performing triple overtime emergency underwater brain surgery on an infant.

If you "need" your phone (and I can guarantee you that you don't), stay home and talk to your phone while you watch on TV. Everyone will be much happier.

[Trevinos 1 iron]

[quote name='Golfnole3' timestamp='1337035638' post='4914570']
When I was at The Players on Saturday on every single teebox there would be 10+ people with their iPhones or smartphones out. The Marshalls would have to say before each group teed off "Please put all cell phones away while the players are teeing off." I remember on #18 a Marshall said this and one lady didn't put up her phone so he said it again and she got all exasperated and mad at him. I think that it's just a bad idea to have cell phones on the course at all. Just a big distraction...
[/quote]
+1 agree. Amazing how some people are these days. Feel as if their entitled to use them on the course or plane. I have an in w FAA. There's talk of banning phones all together on planes.

[Vindog]

[quote name='JWells' timestamp='1337042868' post='4915260']
Seriously I feel like some members of this board want the tournament spectator experience to be so dull and strict and quiet
Not that I think you should take pictures mid swing but sure there are times To get some photo's
[/quote]

well yeah when the players are trying to make shots it SHOULD be quiet. It's not unreasonable to expect some consideration for the players when they're making shots. The problem is...people.

Many of them are self centered and feel entitled.

I don't have a problem with cells and cameras on the course, I have a problem with the ones that are irresponsible with them.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='Trevinos 1 iron' timestamp='1337045979' post='4915580']
[quote name='Golfnole3' timestamp='1337035638' post='4914570']
When I was at The Players on Saturday on every single teebox there would be 10+ people with their iPhones or smartphones out. The Marshalls would have to say before each group teed off "Please put all cell phones away while the players are teeing off." I remember on #18 a Marshall said this and one lady didn't put up her phone so he said it again and she got all exasperated and mad at him. I think that it's just a bad idea to have cell phones on the course at all. Just a big distraction...
[/quote]
+1 agree. Amazing how some people are these days. Feel as if their entitled to use them on the course or plane. I have an in w FAA. There's talk of banning phones all together on planes.
[/quote]You do know that it's the FCC and not the FAA that says they can't be used on an aircraft, right?

[DLiver]

It is nice having cell phones at tourneys. It is outstanding if you are with a group, because you don't have to go everywhere as a single mob. You can split up and use texting to get back together. And with the pace of play being so slow, you can use your phone to entertain yourself while waiting for groups to come through. Of course, some boneheads will find a way to be disruptive with them. However these are the same people that will find other ways to be disruptive, like shouting to a friend in the middle of someone's swing, etc etc. You can't fix stupid.

[bmorejared]

I went to the US Open last year and they didn't allow any cell phones. The USGA must have different rules than the PGA. Twenty years ago when we didn't have cell phones people still managed to be able to attend a golf tournament and do many other things.

[umaynome]

I say don't ban phones or cameras; ban people. Shove them into stadiums or convention halls across the country and let them watch their favorite sport (golf, baseball, NASCAR, basketball or wresting) on big screens with all their phones on and ringing as they buy $8 beers and $9 hotdogs. Yee-haw.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='bmorejared' timestamp='1337047003' post='4915684']Twenty years ago when we didn't have cell phones people still managed to be able to attend a golf tournament and do many other things.
[/quote]
Thaaaaaank you!

[cinnepa]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337045754' post='4915560']
If you can't go a few hours without being contacted by someone then you're either:
1) Too important (probably just in your own mind, but maybe in reality, too), or
2) Too busy
to attend.

Take the day/few hours off. Put the phone in your car. I promise, the world will not collapse without you being able to text your BFF "ZOMG I WAS ON TV RITE BEHIND TIGER DID U C ME? LOLZ". If someone calls, they'l either leave a message or you'll see a missed call after the event. More likely is that you'll have 15 text messages and facebook updates to tend to in the parking lot while the A/C cools off the interior for your drive home. None of those text messages will have anything to do with nuclear launch codes or performing triple overtime emergency underwater brain surgery on an infant.

If you "need" your phone (and I can guarantee you that you don't), stay home and talk to your phone while you watch on TV. Everyone will be much happier.
[/quote]


while i once agreed with this my views changed as soon as a son came into my life and also having to deal with a sick relative. you cannot guarantee i don't need it.....it's not about the BS'ing on it, it's about being available at the drop of a hat. yes, i "need" it but not for the reasons you mention - we live in a different world than only 15-25 years ago, not saying it's better but if info needs to get to me asap i'm going to use that device for it. i agree.........most people IMO are just too stupid or ignorant to simply turn the device sounds off at a tourney.

[U.P.O.]

I was at the Dubai Desert Clasic last year i think, and they allowed them. I didnt see any problems with phones there.

 

 

I turned my phone on silent, but it was handy to have on incase i got seperated from the others.

 

 

I also used the camera to get a few photos on the range, the putting green and players walking to the tee. I just had to common sense to put it away during play and keep the phone on silent. I understand though that not everyone will have the cop-on to do that and thats where the problem is. It shouldnt be a problem to have a phone with you during an event but you'll have idiots like the "get in the hole" guys ruining it for everyone.

 

 

Having said that, i didnt see one problem in Dubai and i got some nice pics !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PaddyK]

They were banned at the Open last year, but this year the ban has been lifted, but they have to be on silent and can only be used in specific places. I am going to the BMW next week where they are allowed but again only in specific places for phone use, data use is OK anywhere on the course.

[scotchblade]

[quote name='doubleagle2' timestamp='1337035310' post='4914534']
The PGA tour allows cell phones now they ask everyone to put them on silent and most do but there is always the few that don't. They had to do this because they felt people would not attend
[/quote]
If that's the case, that is just plain sad. I think we have an epidemic of addicts on our hands. Life should be enjoyed without constant distraction and interruption.

[u]Not allowed[/u] at the US Open. Leave it at home, you'll survive.

http://www.usopen.com/en_US/champ_experience/spectator_guide.html#guidelines

[hammer1]

You're right, you can't fix stupid...but the Tour can have fans escorted from the grounds for taking pictures during play. As a part-time pro sports photographer who covers pro golf on occasion, I am subject to having my credentials revoked if I violate the Tour's media rules which include doing anything to disrupt play, such as taking images in the middle of players' swings. Of course, even accidentally hitting the shutter button too soon can get you in hot water, even if only with the player in question. On rare occasions, a player who hits a bad shot will blame a photographer for pressing the shutter during his swing--even when the photographer did nothing wrong and offers to show the player the images on the camera's LCD screen to prove it. Trust me, I've seen it happen. Fortunately, I've never had an issue with firing early but with the fans it is a whole other story. I just cringe when I see fans holding up cell phones around tee boxes because sooner or later a few bad apples are going to ruin the experience for the rest of the fans and maybe even alter the outcome of the tournament itself if a player gets distracted during his swing. I don't mind cell phones at the course so long as people use them in the designated areas. It is, however, starting to get out of hand with some fans. Marshalls who witnesss fans taking pictures at improper times should be strongly encouraged to contact event security who, with the proper training and the help of Tour officials, can take the appropriate action regarding the offending fan including issuuing a warning, confiscating his or her camera or cell phone until the fan leaves for the day, or escorting the fan from the event for blatant or repeated offenses. And that enforcement action should be publicized (no need to identify the fan by name) by the media covering the event so that it can serve as a warning to fans in general that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. We saw this past weekend at The Players what happens when a player backs off shots repeatedly of his own accord. Now imagine players all over the course backing off shots all day long because of cell phone activity.

[CowtownTexas]

[quote name='GatorNate11' timestamp='1337037549' post='4914730']
If people know how to turn them on silent, it shouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't turn mine in or put it away, it's my phone and I can have it if I want to. People wonder why golf isn't a popular sport among younger kids, perhaps because of the way things are done, the cell phone thing being a good example of it.
[/quote]


"It's mine and I can have it if I want too".

Entitled statements like that are what is wrong with our country and society today.

Also, you might want to keep in mind that when you set foot on the grounds of a PGA Event, you are a guest. Maybe a paid-guest, but a guest none the less. You don't get to set the rules, you get to follow them.

[roho]

[quote name='CowtownTexas' timestamp='1337094349' post='4918118']
[quote name='GatorNate11' timestamp='1337037549' post='4914730']
If people know how to turn them on silent, it shouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't turn mine in or put it away, it's my phone and I can have it if I want to. People wonder why golf isn't a popular sport among younger kids, perhaps because of the way things are done, the cell phone thing being a good example of it.
[/quote]


"It's mine and I can have it if I want too".

Entitled statements like that are what is wrong with our country and society today.

Also, you might want to keep in mind that when you set foot on the grounds of a PGA Event, you are a guest. Maybe a paid-guest, but a guest none the less. You don't get to set the rules, you get to follow them.
[/quote]

+1 thanks, you couldn't be more correct.

[svs]

[quote name='CowtownTexas' timestamp='1337094349' post='4918118']
[quote name='GatorNate11' timestamp='1337037549' post='4914730']
If people know how to turn them on silent, it shouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't turn mine in or put it away, it's my phone and I can have it if I want to. People wonder why golf isn't a popular sport among younger kids, perhaps because of the way things are done, the cell phone thing being a good example of it.
[/quote]


"It's mine and I can have it if I want too".

Entitled statements like that are what is wrong with our country and society today.

Also, you might want to keep in mind that when you set foot on the grounds of a PGA Event, you are a guest. Maybe a paid-guest, but a guest none the less. You don't get to set the rules, you get to follow them.
[/quote]


+1, Couldn't agree more! Don't be an idiot and have some respect for the players.
Use your phone in designated areas and they should all be on vibrate or silent.
There's always that one idiot though.

[spitfisher]

First, I think there is quite a few people who can't silence thier phones. These very same people write thier PIN numbers on their ATM card. Second I like the idea of haveng a smart phone to keep track of others in the group, texting, check and reply to emails in between the players groups as they come by. This can often be 10-20 minutes, its also handy to check scores of the golfers and other sporting events during this down time.

However, I am not one of the stupid, ignorant, rude, self serving, " I'm Entitled damn it" people out there. Sometimes I wish I had a rocket launcher.

[johnnypro]

[quote name='scotchblade' timestamp='1337090901' post='4917756']
[quote name='doubleagle2' timestamp='1337035310' post='4914534']
The PGA tour allows cell phones now they ask everyone to put them on silent and most do but there is always the few that don't. They had to do this because they felt people would not attend
[/quote]
If that's the case, that is just plain sad. I think we have an epidemic of addicts on our hands. Life should be enjoyed without constant distraction and interruption.

[u]Not allowed[/u] at the US Open. Leave it at home, you'll survive.

[url="http://www.usopen.com/en_US/champ_experience/spectator_guide.html#guidelines"]http://www.usopen.co...html#guidelines[/url]
[/quote]

God bless the USGA. I can't believe the PGA allows them! When you get that many people in one place, some people are going to abuse the rules and leave their phones on and have them ring at the wrong time and get a pro or two really pissed off.

Do you REALLY need to have one with you? Do we all have to be in touch all the time?
If there's a family thing going on....imminent birth, imminent death.....maybe you shouldn't be at a golf tournament in the first place.

[bepo]

The worst part about smartphones are all the idiots who have them when they have no need for it.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='cinnepa' timestamp='1337080982' post='4917074']you cannot guarantee i don't need it.....
[/quote]
Yes. Yes, I can.

I know this is going to sound rude. I really hate to even type it (seriously, I'm not being a jackwagon here), but this is going to sound harsh.

You are not that important.

Neither am I.

If you have a sick relative, you just can't get to certain places. Golf tournaments are one of those "off limits" events. If you "need" to be reached at the drop of a hat, you have a limitation on your life. Nothing wrong with that. It happens. That's life. But there are just places you can't go.

Can you go to the grocery store? Sure! Can you go to the driving range? Yeah!!! Can you go to a baseball game? You bet!

But, sadly, a golf course is just not for you right now.