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PGA to Allow Fans to Bring Cell Phones to Golf Tournament

by Amar Toor on January 6, 2011 at 10:10 AM

golf fans using landlinesUnlike real athletes, golfers insist on playing their "sport" in tightly controlled environments. With the exception of perhaps Ryder Cup attendees, spectators at any professional golf tournament are expected to remain quiet before a player swings, politely applaud afterward, and duly march onward, in civilized propriety. Until recently, fans weren't even allowed to bring cell phones to tournaments, but, according to Reuters, that's about to change.

At this month's Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego, spectators will be allowed to bring their cell phones to the course for the first time, as part of a new and experimental PGA initiative. Fans will be able to use their devices to make calls, send texts, or check scores, but only within designated areas. The announcement comes on the heels of similar tests at last year's Frys.com Open and the Tiger Woods-hosted Chevron World Challenge. During August's Wyndham Championship, spectators were allowed to use their phones, as long as they were set on silent or vibrate.



The idea, according to PGA Tour Chief of Operations Andy Pazder, is to explore new ways to enhance the fan experience -- presumably by allowing fans to do things that are more exciting than watching golf. "We understand that mobile devices have become a part of everyday life," Pazder said in a statement. "There is a balance we are looking to achieve between maintaining the integrity of the competition and allowing spectators to utilize their mobile devices in various capacities. We anticipate our fans will be respectful." Oh, but of course.

Tags: cellphones, etiquette, FarmersInsuranceOpen, golf, PGA, sports, TigerWoods, top

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