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By Bob Verdi
Golf World
February 24, 2006
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Sid Wilson, vice president of player relations for the tour, points to legislation already in place. At a tournament, golfers may use cell phones only in designated areas and only if they are kept in the "vibrate" or "silent ring" mode. Moreover, cell phones are strictly prohibited on the practice range, putting greens or the course during official competition rounds. That means not only Thursday through Sunday, but also Wednesday pro-ams.
Cell phones could, of course, affect the essence of a game. "If my coach is watching TV, I could theoretically call him and ask if he sees anything in my swing," said Pavin. "Or I could ring a buddy in the hotel and tell him I hit 7-iron to the ninth green. But that never happens." And that's why the rules are there, in black and white on page 56 of the player handbook. If violations occur, a golfer could be punished under the broad "conduct unbecoming" clause. When asked whether any player has been fined for cell-phone abuse, Wilson rolled his eyes. "Not to my knowledge," he said. But the tour doesn't reveal fines. Even next year's fall schedule is still a secret.
My point is, if the PGA Tour doesn't get tough, it will be hopelessly overwhelmed by blabbermouths who think they can conduct loud and intrusive broadcasts on a course as if it's a grocery store, health club or airplane. It's like the war on illegal drugs. The technology is always a step ahead of the law. Cell phones are not only becoming tinier, they're becoming everything: credit cards, message centers, entertainment vehicles, miniature cameras. ESPN sells a cell phone with scores, highlights and network programming. You could sneak one into a PGA Tour event while also watching luge. Now I admit, we'll all remember where we were and what we were doing when Michelle Kwan withdrew from the Winter Olympics, but this is getting out of hand....more
Cell phones could, of course, affect the essence of a game. "If my coach is watching TV, I could theoretically call him and ask if he sees anything in my swing," said Pavin. "Or I could ring a buddy in the hotel and tell him I hit 7-iron to the ninth green. But that never happens." And that's why the rules are there, in black and white on page 56 of the player handbook. If violations occur, a golfer could be punished under the broad "conduct unbecoming" clause. When asked whether any player has been fined for cell-phone abuse, Wilson rolled his eyes. "Not to my knowledge," he said. But the tour doesn't reveal fines. Even next year's fall schedule is still a secret.
My point is, if the PGA Tour doesn't get tough, it will be hopelessly overwhelmed by blabbermouths who think they can conduct loud and intrusive broadcasts on a course as if it's a grocery store, health club or airplane. It's like the war on illegal drugs. The technology is always a step ahead of the law. Cell phones are not only becoming tinier, they're becoming everything: credit cards, message centers, entertainment vehicles, miniature cameras. ESPN sells a cell phone with scores, highlights and network programming. You could sneak one into a PGA Tour event while also watching luge. Now I admit, we'll all remember where we were and what we were doing when Michelle Kwan withdrew from the Winter Olympics, but this is getting out of hand....more
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