PGA TOUR expands use of mobile devices by spectators at PGA TOUR tournaments

Fans now permitted to take photographs with mobile devices all week away from areas of play

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., February 29, 2016 – Effective immediately, fans at PGA TOUR events are permitted to take photographs with their mobile devices throughout tournament week, except in areas of play during official tournament rounds or when requested by players, security, and TOUR officials to refrain from taking a photo. Previously, the policy restricted all photography to Designated Cell Phone Areas during tournament play. 

Anything outside of a mobile device, such as cameras and video recorders, are not allowed during official rounds. 

Following are the TOUR policy guidelines:

• Devices must be on silent at all times.
• Calls may be placed or answered only in designated “Cell Phone Zones.”
• Devices may not be used to capture audio/video at any time during tournament week.
• During practice and pro-am rounds, photography is permitted in all areas.
• During official competition rounds, photography is prohibited within any areas of competition (i.e. teeing grounds, tee shot landing areas and on/around putting greens) or when requested by tournament staff, security, players, or player representatives. Photography in non-competition areas is permitted.
• Data use (e.g., texting, email, etc.) will be permitted outside of the designated “Cell Phone Zones” all week, but away from play.
• Data use is not permitted when players are in position to compete (i.e., when QUIET PLEASE paddles are raised).
• No video recording is permitted at any time.

 “Our mobile device policy has been met with great enthusiasm by fans,” said Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR chief of operations. “We believe the expanded policy will significantly enhance the on-site spectator experience while maintaining a suitable atmosphere for all players on the course.”

 In early 2011, the PGA TOUR implemented its Mobile Device Policy which allowed fans for the first time to bring their mobile phones into tournaments. The Honda Classic was the first event for which the mobile device policy was implemented as an enhancement to the overall fan experience. This followed testing at five TOUR events in late 2010 and early 2011 to gauge the potential impact of mobile devices at PGA TOUR events.

 The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, Open Championship, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Rio 2016 Olympics are not PGA TOUR co-sponsored events and have their own respective policies regarding the use of mobile devices on-site.