Linda, is a person allowed to talk on a cell phone during a
round of tournament golf? If not, what would the penalty be? (Not an
emergency phone call)
Lulu
Dear Lulu,
It is not against the Rules to use a cell phone during a
round. However, proper etiquette must be observed. Players must take care not
to distract other players.
A player who continually disturbs others by repeated use of
a cell phone may be guilty of a serious breach of etiquette. If a player has
been warned, and continues to disrupt play, she may be subject to
disqualification [Rule 33-7].
Committees may limit or prohibit the use of cell phones
during a tournament. In the tournaments I direct for JustGolf in southern New
Jersey, I permit players to carry cell phones, but they must be turned off or
silenced. I would not expect players to make casual phone calls during a round.
However, I feel that players should have the device available for emergencies.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
