Tour News
U.S. Open allowing cell phones during play
Spectators will be allowed to carry cell phones during the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay for the first time in the event’s history.
[quote_box_center]”Spectators may carry mobile devices smaller than 7 inches in length and/or height, including cellphones, smartphones and PDAs,” the press release reads. “All device volume controls must be set to silent or vibrate at all times.”[/quote_box_center]
It’s a move that makes sense from both a societal and spectating standpoint. People are attached to their cell phones, and with access to usga.org, usopen.com and phone apps during the event, the experience will no doubt be more convenient for the patrons. But can the U.S. Open Staff control the fans who struggle with the temptation of taking videos and photos during play, potentially disturbing the players?
[quote_box_center]”Previously, the use of mobile phones had been a concern to us from a security perspective, but we’ve seen we’re able to control that and that in this day and age, people are accustomed to having [mobile phones on] them for their own personal security,” USGA Director of Public Relations Janeen Driscoll told Golf.com.[/quote_box_center]
The R&A allows fans to carry cell phones at the Open Championship, and we saw Tiger Woods’ reaction to an ill-timed cell phone photo in 2013.
[quote_center]”Unfortunately people just don’t put their phones on silent,” Woods said. “Just put it on silent. Just put it on silent.”[/quote_center]
Just last month, a cell phone may have affected the outcome of a PGA Tour event.
While Jordan Spieth was hitting a bunker shot on the first hole of a playoff at the Shell Houston Open, a cell phone camera appeared to go off. Spieth said he was distracted by the noise and mishit the bunker shot. He went on to make bogey and exited the playoff early, ending his chances at victory.
Allowing cameras at the U.S. Open opens the door for a similar situation. Do the positives outweigh the negatives of allowing patrons to carry phones on the ground during play of a major championship? It’s a shame that one or two unruly fans who forget to put their phone on silent, or a take a picture in a players’ backswing, can have an effect on the outcome of a shot. But that’s the reality.
U.S. Open participants are playing for roughly $1.6 million and a place in golf history. Is it worth it for a fan to be able to access their U.S. Open leaderboard app, or Tweet to their followers they just saw Rickie Fowler in person?
For the love of golf, please keep your cell phones on silent.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
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Hitn18
Apr 21, 2015 at 7:04 am
I think the USGA should make a new rule that if a player is distracted by a noise made from technology he gets a mulligan!!!! problem solved. This whole argument is ridiculous golf needs the fans or the purses go way down. As golf club technology has advanced so has all other technology and the players need to learn to adapt. I have watched players at tournaments during practice rounds and on the range were there is all kinds of noise and it seems to have no effect, just like they say they need to take their range game to the course. Here is what I think is the one way to address this issue that may satisfy both sides.
1. If a fan does not have his phone on silent and distracts a player he gets removed from the event. After a few patrons get removed from the US Open people will learn quickly.
labillyboy
Apr 20, 2015 at 6:32 pm
Good players can shut out distractions. Just another way to filter out the best player in the field. If you have rabbit ears, you need to improve. If they are that touchy, why not get rid of all the fans and just post the results in the newspaper. Of course their paychecks would get awfully small… but hey… Just don’t text when you are driving a car. The guys I play with never stop talking, we talk even as we are hitting the ball… it’s easy. I’m sure the pros can handle it.
Mike
Apr 20, 2015 at 6:10 pm
This is not any more disrupting than the crowd yelling when a great shot is hit. I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as the phone is on silent mode. However, the odds are someone will forget as there is never going to be 100% compliance on this.
I served as a marshal at the U.S. Senior Open where cell phones weren’t allowed and people were still taking pictures even though there were stations to check bags before getting on the bus. Maybe the better solution would be to have the pros where ear plugs if they are sensitive to noises. I won’t be using one but have no issue with this if people want to take photos or videos.
Andrew
Apr 20, 2015 at 3:13 pm
Great news – I’m coming over for the Open from the UK and it’ll be nice to get a few photos of the event. Wasn’t able to use at it at Merion which was disappointing.
Last time I checked as well, the silenced camera on my iPhone is far less distracting to players than the dozen long lense cameras, TV crew, hangers on and the idiot that always yells mash potatoe!
Bullwinkle J. Moose, Attorney-at-law
Apr 20, 2015 at 3:10 pm
Let the phones on the course if only so we can get some outstanding sound bites of these big babies crying about pictures during their back swings, hopefully Sergio is involved, he likes to whine about everything under the sun
Regis
Apr 20, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Why not have designated cell phone areas? Make them accessible (like by the beer tent) but prohibit them anywhere near the field of play
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Nathan
Apr 20, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Pro’s
-Updated scores
-If in a group it is nice not having to stay with everyone for the fear of getting lost. For example: I like to see the courses and walk. Although, some people prefer to sit.
-I do like being able to get updated scores or follow live feed while we are waiting on groups.
-Good for promotions and growth of the game.
Cons
-Negative impact on players, because it will affect a golfer. Everyone makes the argument about a pro basketball player hitting a free throw. It is not the same and never will be. The noise a basketball player hears is constant. However, a Camera flash/sound is out of the norm. Horns are banned from arena’s why? Because that would be a louder more distracting noise players are use to hearing. The most frustrating thing when I play is a for a mower to stop in the middle of my swing. I rather them keep mowing. Fans also are a lot closer to the action in golf, and golf is not a rhythm sport.
-People become to attached with their phone and do not meet people, or have conversations. They do not take everything in while they are there.
Golf Purist will say no
Casual Golfer/anyone else will say yes please! I see both sides of the argument, but I believe the tourny should dictate what is decided. For example: Masters is a purist environment, so keep phones out. Pheonix Open – Casual affair and fun so keep phones in play! That is the way I look at it.
Mccance79
Apr 19, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Finally they will allow the spectators… you know the reason why there is a PGA TOUR can use technology to remember the special moments… Look if a basketball player deal with heckling and screaming during a free throw. PGA Tour players can put up with cell phones…
Know What I'm Talking About
Apr 20, 2015 at 11:39 am
This is such a dumb argument, anyone who makes it has never been in serious competition in both conditions (in front of crowd making constant noise like baseball, basketball, etc to the point it becomes white noise vs being silent in golf or tennis). They don’t go completely silent during a free throw, and playing in dead silence is much more difficult, especially when in the middle of your shot a random noise is made.
labillyboy
Apr 20, 2015 at 6:46 pm
that’s why they should just quit the silence concept all together… Just let everyone talk all the time. I play a course next to a freeway once in a while. I never notice the noise on the holes that are 30 feet away from it… But at a course in a quiet neighborhood… the guys I play with never stop talking so I don’t notice a car there either… Heck, I bet I am talking on 50% of my shots… you’re right when it’s absolutely quiet and then there is a noise it can startle some people… but not me. I played in a Wednesday pro-am at a tour event, that was probably the most disturbing thing for me was the quiet… I wanted to tell the gallery to keep talking when I hit…
GMatt
Apr 17, 2015 at 10:49 pm
Wow…. Epic Fail
GMatt
Apr 17, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Big mistake…..It’s a shame a small percentage of knuckleheads will cause something to go wrong…You know it will happen… Leave your phone at home, but some people just can’t pry themselves away from their addiction for a few hours….
Brian
Apr 18, 2015 at 8:22 am
Uh… Trying hard not to go into full snark mode. But some people have jobs and families that just can’t wait until you make it to a pay phone to check your messages. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a muted phone in your pocket. It doesn’t signal an addiction to me. No pun intended.
But! I was at a concert last night and heard a fake shutter noise over the band. So I understand why Tiger and Bubba can get ticked off. It was loud! Maybe the USGA can have a training area to teach people how to mute their phones and turn off flashes.
slider
Apr 18, 2015 at 12:42 pm
people still had families and jobs in the 90s before the smart phone was around how could they manage?
Eh
Apr 19, 2015 at 7:05 pm
The world today is a completely different one than the 20th century. Almost anything being compared to the 90s these days in that manner is unreasonable.
brian d
Apr 22, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Right, but could you argue if you have that many important cant-wait phone calls coming through, you are probably too busy to be at a golf tourney that day?
chris m
Apr 17, 2015 at 6:23 pm
I am glad they will allow phones. I hate having to leave my phone when attending other tournaments, including USGA events.
Went to last year’s PGA Championships and they allow cell phones – phone on silent, no photos during tournament rounds (no video at all). Folks could download the Championships app and get updates, watch video replays, etc. The tournament also had “mobile device enforcement” marshals. These marshals tended to be with the galleries for the leaders and more popular groups.
Joey5Picks
Apr 17, 2015 at 2:57 pm
It’s simple: if you can’t live without your phone for the day, stay home and watch on TV. Failing that, PUT YOUR PHONE ON SILENT AND FOLLOW THE RULES. It’s very simple. Problem is, there will always be people who think the rules don’t apply to them.
Danny
Apr 17, 2015 at 1:55 pm
It’s a good idea. With social media, the more pictures, tweets, facebook posts and instagrams that people post the better it is for PGA Tour.
With all the talk of growing the game, it’s ancient rules like not being able to take your phone in that drive non-avid golf fans away and exclude people.
The pros need to stop being babies, my iphone makes no sound when I snap a picture. If you hit a bad shot it’s not because of my phone.
Brian
Apr 18, 2015 at 8:24 am
Good point! Let’s ensure no one under 50 attends the tournament. 😉 At least keep a ban on selfie sticks.
slider
Apr 17, 2015 at 1:38 pm
played chambers bay last year and the us open is going to be unreal so excited the course is spectacular as far as cell phones I don’t like them at the course because you know its going to ring in some ones back swing
golf guy
Apr 17, 2015 at 12:21 pm
The amount of security at golf tournaments is completely ridiculous and unnecessary. I remember multiple times having to “sneak” my phone since they were requiring checking in your phone and leaving it with security, they probably had 1,000 phones. I got hassled for carrying my baby’s diaper bag and was checked by completely fat lazy cops three separate times, yet the drunk morons yelling stuff in back swings get a free pass. I will never go through the circus again and will stay home and watch on my a/c cooled home. It’s a shame how pathetic the PGA runs anything these days, all grumpy old white guys who hate life.
brian
Apr 17, 2015 at 12:49 pm
I think people can afford to spend a few hours watching golf without updating their Facebook, tweeting to their bros that they were on tv when golfer X hit shot Y, or seeing what Kim Kardashian is up to. The reality is they probably dont allow cell phones because while the majority of spectators are golfers and know proper protocal, there are always people who dont know or dont care and ruin it for everyone.
It would be nice if cell phones were allowed, but i think there are enough occasions where they become distractions to players on the course.
As long as there are people who are examples of why the rules are there, we will never be allowed to have anything nice
Rich
Apr 17, 2015 at 5:25 pm
You took a baby to a PGA tour event?
Brian
Apr 18, 2015 at 8:25 am
So what if he did?
other paul
Apr 20, 2015 at 10:38 am
That’s awesome. Lucky kid.