Spectators with cell phones and cams on the course

[Jack Pearsall]

I think they let the Jeanie out of her bottle with this one...cell phones are going to continue being a problem.

I guess pros will have to get used to the noise indignities you regular types endure/inflict.

[scotchblade]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337098558' post='4918622']
If you have a sick relative, you just can't get to certain places.
[/quote]
I agree, if you have children and a sick relative which require being available at the drop of a hat, why attend a golf tournament? You won't be fully present and I dare say you will end up resentful because you have to leave early. I've looked after an aging mother for years, so I can tell you all about the importance of having TIME TO YOURSELF.

There are times when you should take it with you and times when it should be left behind. If there are issues in life that require your immediate attention, don't play golf that day. Don't accept a lunch date with a friend. Don't go to church, whatever.

People don't seem to be able to see the difference anymore.

[FairwaysToHeaven]

having cell phones on the course at an event is not the issue. its the morons who can't quiet them or don't have enough self control to know not to take a picture in a back swing. its always the few idiots that ruin it for others. No different than going to a movie theater and seeing in GIANT letter 'please turn off phone' and then to have someones phone ring 5 minutes into the movie.

[FLOGMR]

It is all part of the pervasive attitude in the world today...."Nobody tells me what to do"
I for one am sick of it. Rules and etiquette are part of the real world....Grow up and deal with your petty insecurities....you are just not that important...Except to yourself

[bmorejared]

Nevermind golf tournaments. I'm a funeral director. You would not believe how many times I have heard cell phones go off in the middle of a funeral, and worse yet, people answering them and having a conversation. I even had a widow answer the phone in the middle of her own husband's graveside service. I listen to these conversations and they are not that important. Nobody is thwarting a terrorist attack or agreeing to a multi-million dollar business transaction. They are usually just BS'ing with a friend or a family member. Cell phones are a great invention and have become vital for many of us, myself included, to do our jobs, but if you are so important that you can't "fall off the grid" for a couple hours, then maybe you shouldn't be leaving the house or office. It has been my experience that people whom are really that important tend to have a back-up so they can get away.

[mshills]

[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]

Right!! To hell with common courtesy, because we all know that you have the inalienable right to have your phone with you and on, no matter what!!

[YMark]

[quote name='The Grifter' timestamp='1337035733' post='4914578']
Keep in mind a [s]small[/s] large percentage don't know how to silence their phones.
[/quote]

Fixed that for you.

[pingman1]

OMG I remember when I used to have to find a pay phone to call my Mother and let her know I was going to be late, she would be relieved, but I still got grounded when I got home. The first thing I would here when I did get home was "give me the car keys"! There is no one who can't do without a cell phone for 4 1/2 hours playing golf or at a tournament.

[scotchblade]

[quote name='pingman1' timestamp='1337114329' post='4920234']
There is no one who can't do without a cell phone for 4 1/2 hours playing golf or at a tournament.
[/quote]
Unless you are an addict or suffer from [url="http://voices.yahoo.com/nomophobia-fear-no-mobile-phone-contact-1415077.html"]Nomophobia - Fear of No Mobile Phone Contact[/url]

Help is out there - set yourself free!

[sigmapete1]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337045754' post='4915560']

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]

Can't disagree, but the point is that the PGA doesn't want people to stay home.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='sigmapete1' timestamp='1337116206' post='4920432']
[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337045754' post='4915560']

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]

Can't disagree, but the point is that the PGA doesn't want people to stay home.
[/quote]
I didn't realize that point was being disputed. Is it?

[wrmiller]

The PGA doesn't get it, or is too self-absorbed or greedy to care, but the people who wouldn't come to a tournament because of a cell phone ban are the people you WANT to stay away. Some of the idiots showing up at tournaments nowadays need to be gotten rid of somehow. This sounds like a good start.

Oh, and figure out how to get rid of the young, male morons who scream "get in the hole!" after a tee shot. Either that or issue the marshals stun guns and just leave the idiot twitching on the ground for an hour or so. Maybe then he'll leave to go change his shorts...

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='wrmiller' timestamp='1337123256' post='4921142']
The PGA doesn't get it, or is too self-absorbed or greedy to care, but the people who wouldn't come to a tournament because of a cell phone ban are the people you WANT to stay away. Some of the idiots showing up at tournaments nowadays need to be gotten rid of somehow. This sounds like a good start.

Oh, and figure out how to get rid of the young, male morons who scream "get in the hole!" after a tee shot. Either that or issue the marshals stun guns and just leave the idiot twitching on the ground for an hour or so. Maybe then he'll leave to go change his shorts...
[/quote]
Ban cell phones and beer and establish a "nobody who's visibly intoxicated gets in" policy. Both problems solved.

[wrmiller]

[CowtownTexas]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337132461' post='4922112']
[quote name='wrmiller' timestamp='1337123256' post='4921142']
The PGA doesn't get it, or is too self-absorbed or greedy to care, but the people who wouldn't come to a tournament because of a cell phone ban are the people you WANT to stay away. Some of the idiots showing up at tournaments nowadays need to be gotten rid of somehow. This sounds like a good start.

Oh, and figure out how to get rid of the young, male morons who scream "get in the hole!" after a tee shot. Either that or issue the marshals stun guns and just leave the idiot twitching on the ground for an hour or so. Maybe then he'll leave to go change his shorts...
[/quote]
Ban cell phones and beer and establish a "nobody who's visibly intoxicated gets in" policy. Both problems solved.
[/quote]

Let's not take this too far! Tournaments need alcohol sales. Venues couldn't make money without that.

[FairwaysToHeaven]

nothing wrong with having cell phones on the courses as long as people can have the self control not to take pics in back swings. with technology now, cell phones can enhance fan experience. you can check leaderboards, see what others on twitter are saying about the tournament, have journalists updating info on their cells during the tournament, etc.

Sure, we can all do without the phone for an afternoon or without a couple beers, but why punish everyone for others screw ups. tournaments are run on thurs and fridays....work days. some spectators like to have the ability to check and respond to the occasional email. the problem isn't cell phones and beer, it is the people that abuse these privileges. If someone yells out something, kick them out. if caught taking picture of a players shot, kick them out. seems simple enough.

[monkeynaut]

[quote name='cinnepa' timestamp='1337080982' post='4917074']
[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.
[/quote]

+1. I have young kids. I'm not too important but THEY are. I think people who care about their kids would agree. Those who don't wouldn't understand but the PGA seems to have sided with keeping the former in the loop, as they are family friendly. I would rather people have their phones than a restless kid at an event (or movie. Yeah! I'm talking to YOU people who took the 2 year old to see The Avengers on a Saturday night. I didn't pay for a babysitter so I could listen to YOUR kid cry!).

Having said that, I know how to put the thing on silent.
I also don't know why people don't know how to put the "shutter" sound from their camera phone on mute. Seriously people, there's no physical aperture on these things, it doesn't HAVE TO make a sound. Mute that thing!

[JWells]

I can't even believe some of the posts I have read.

NO - they should not ban cell phones from tournaments. What do you think a golf tournament is the only place or even on this planet where people need to mind their manners? No, there are rude people out there, yes they should be singled out and warned if ruining the event for other spectators and more importantly the professionals.

But to hear that it is so black and white to not have a phone on you is ridiculous. What about people who have handicapped children? They might have a phone call they have to take, whether or not it's an emergency or just a question from a caregiver, pretty easy for them to step away and make a phone call. Men who have pregnant significant others, people who work in a type of business where yes maybe they need to answer their phone at an odd time. It isn't hard to politely and quietly go make a phone call.

Banning cell phones all together isn't the answer, just like guns don't kill people, people kill people. Cell phones aren't rude, just rude people who use them.

[2putttom]

[quote name='bmorejared' timestamp='1337106119' post='4919454']
Nevermind golf tournaments. I'm a funeral director. You would not believe how many times I have heard cell phones go off in the middle of a funeral, and worse yet, people answering them and having a conversation. I even had a widow answer the phone in the middle of her own husband's graveside service. I listen to these conversations and they are not that important. Nobody is thwarting a terrorist attack or agreeing to a multi-million dollar business transaction. They are usually just BS'ing with a friend or a family member. Cell phones are a great invention and have become vital for many of us, myself included, to do our jobs, but if you are so important that you can't "fall off the grid" for a couple hours, then maybe you shouldn't be leaving the house or office. It has been my experience that people whom are really that important tend to have a back-up so they can get away.
[/quote] Amen I agree. Cell phone have become a human appendage.

[johnnypro]

[quote name='CowtownTexas' timestamp='1337135292' post='4922510']
[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337132461' post='4922112']
[quote name='wrmiller' timestamp='1337123256' post='4921142']
The PGA doesn't get it, or is too self-absorbed or greedy to care, but the people who wouldn't come to a tournament because of a cell phone ban are the people you WANT to stay away. Some of the idiots showing up at tournaments nowadays need to be gotten rid of somehow. This sounds like a good start.

Oh, and figure out how to get rid of the young, male morons who scream "get in the hole!" after a tee shot. Either that or issue the marshals stun guns and just leave the idiot twitching on the ground for an hour or so. Maybe then he'll leave to go change his shorts...
[/quote]
Ban cell phones and beer and establish a "nobody who's visibly intoxicated gets in" policy. Both problems solved.
[/quote]

Let's not take this too far! Tournaments need alcohol sales. Venues couldn't make money without that.
[/quote]

What's wrong with banning beer sales? How many hours does the Average Joe spend at a tournament........6? 8? If you can't go that long without a beer, you have a problem.
I have no problem with people who handle it responsibly but I've been to too many sporting events, from baseball to hockey to golf, where a certain percentage has way too much to drink and makes life miserable for everyone around him.
Have a Coke!

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='JWells' timestamp='1337182016' post='4924994']What about people who have handicapped children?
[/quote]Sometimes being a responsible parent means making sacrifices for those that you love and care for. Suck it up. It's called life.

[monkeynaut]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337196056' post='4926336']
[quote name='JWells' timestamp='1337182016' post='4924994']What about people who have handicapped children?
[/quote]Sometimes being a responsible parent means making sacrifices for those that you love and care for. Suck it up. It's called life.
[/quote]
Utterly classless.
So, now, this is a haven for degenerates who wish ill upon the less advantaged. Advocacy for restricting tournament attendance to parents of only "able" children?
There's an insensitive non-joke that cries for deletion if I've ever read one.

Luckily, the PGA Tour, which is known for it's charity and philanthropic work doesn't subscribe to such a hateful and discriminatory line.
There may be things, sir, upon which you prefer to suck but I, for one, do not wish that it be hardship, for anyone.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='monkeynaut' timestamp='1337197278' post='4926478']
[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337196056' post='4926336']
[quote name='JWells' timestamp='1337182016' post='4924994']What about people who have handicapped children?
[/quote]Sometimes being a responsible parent means making sacrifices for those that you love and care for. Suck it up. It's called life.
[/quote]
Utterly classless.
So, now, this is a haven for degenerates who wish ill upon the less advantaged. Advocacy for restricting tournament attendance to parents of only "able" children?
There's an insensitive non-joke that cries for deletion if I've ever read one.

Luckily, the PGA Tour, which is known for it's charity and philanthropic work doesn't subscribe to such a hateful and discriminatory line.
There may be things, sir, upon which you prefer to suck but I, for one, do not wish that it be hardship, for anyone.
[/quote]
I never advocated for restricting tournament attendance to parents of only "able" children. You drew that conclusion yourself.

If you think you're so important that you can't step away from the phone for a day (because of whatever excuse you come up with), then you just don't belong in certain places. It's already been discussed in the thread. If there's nobody else to take care of your child while you get some "me" time, then guess what, you've got a restriction. Parents of disabled children that I know personally don't even consider it a hardship that they can't go certain places because of being tethered to a phone. They love their child and make whatever sacrifices necessary to ensure their child's safety and happiness.

You don't have to like the truth, but you do need to hear it.

[Jeembo]

I don't see an issue with people having cell phones as long as they're on silent and not used in places other than 'designated cell phone' spots. Lots of business folk, doctors, etc need to have their phones on them in case of disaster.

That said, if someone's got their phone out taking pictures or talking on the phone near any player trying to get around the course, they should be kicked out.

[CowtownTexas]

[quote name='johnnypro' timestamp='1337188221' post='4925576']


What's wrong with banning beer sales? How many hours does the Average Joe spend at a tournament........6? 8? If you can't go that long without a beer, you have a problem.
I have no problem with people who handle it responsibly but I've been to too many sporting events, from baseball to hockey to golf, where a certain percentage has way too much to drink and makes life miserable for everyone around him.
Have a Coke!
[/quote]

I rarely drink, so I'm not talking about myself. I'm purely talking about the profit margins for the host venues. The same could be said for all pro sports. The margins are thinner than you might think.

[jackfig]

Why fight it? If I were on tour, I'd simply have my caddy stand directly behind me with an SLR camera. When I address the ball, I'd have him hold down the shutter release, taking several pictures per second till I've finished my swing. If someone else happens to take a picture during my swing, I'd never notice.

[Guia]

There are just too many to police!

[blwallace5]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1337098558' post='4918622']
[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.
[/quote]

This is simply wrong. Having children or somebody that needs to get a hold of you potentially with no prior warning does not in any way disqualify a person from being able to attend an event at a golf course. Statements like that make golfers seem like the entitled ones, not everybody else. Common sense should prevail and when it doesn't there should be punishments. We do not need more overbearing rules to pander to the lowest common denominator or any entitled persons sensibilities.

[monkeynaut]

Cameras and phones on the course seem to be perfectly okay if they're taking pervy pics of holly sonders mid-swing. This site also doesn't seem to mind snapping away while pros practice. I'm sure plenty of posters to wrx take phones and cams to events to get a bag shot or two.

But we have a sanctimonious few for whom no middle ground exists. The truth is, the tour allows phones and cameras. That's life. ...

[TxFrog]

[quote name='JWells' timestamp='1337182016' post='4924994']
I can't even believe some of the posts I have read.

NO - they should not ban cell phones from tournaments. What do you think a golf tournament is the only place or even on this planet where people need to mind their manners? No, there are rude people out there, yes they should be singled out and warned if ruining the event for other spectators and more importantly the professionals.

But to hear that it is so black and white to not have a phone on you is ridiculous. What about people who have handicapped children? They might have a phone call they have to take, whether or not it's an emergency or just a question from a caregiver, pretty easy for them to step away and make a phone call. Men who have pregnant significant others, people who work in a type of business where yes maybe they need to answer their phone at an odd time. It isn't hard to politely and quietly go make a phone call.

Banning cell phones all together isn't the answer, just like guns don't kill people, people kill people. Cell phones aren't rude, just rude people who use them.
[/quote]

I gotta to agree with your opinion.

There seems to be a HUGE difference in generations and opinions on this, and neither is right or wrong. But I just don't understand the mentality if you have any responsibilities or a very slight chance you need to be reached you should not go.

I had a situation this year where I was expecting an important phone call in a 10 day period, that if called I needed to respond somewhat quickly. Was I meant to sit around doing nothing by my phone for 10 straight days? No, I played golf, checked my phone every 4 holes, and If called would excuse myself from the group, head to the clubhouse, and return the call.

I'm going to a PGA tournament this year and will have my cell phone on me on silent, and will only use it where I'm allowed.