Any sudden noise or distraction can disrupt a golfer’s concentration and hinder her ability to perform well. Noisy cell phones and cell phone conversations cause problems on the golf course by creating unwelcome distractions. Players and spectators must follow certain basic etiquette guidelines regarding cell phones on the golf course.
Basic Guidelines
The U.S. Golf Association’s Golf Etiquette 101 suggests if players or spectators must take cell phones or other electronic devices onto the course, they should make sure these devices will not cause any distractions. To prevent distractions, turn your cell phone’s ringer, incoming text message alert, low-battery alarm and any other sounds to silent, or simply turn your phone off and use it only in an emergency.
Spectators
Many golf tournaments prohibit spectators from entering the grounds with cell phones or other electronic devices. Augusta National Golf Club’s written policy indicates the tournament will remove any spectators who bring cell phones or other electronic devices onto the course.
Courtesy
Players should wait patiently while all other players in their group finish each hole. You should never leave the green, for example, until the other players in your group have finished putting. Show your playing partners proper respect and courtesy by refraining from consulting text messages, e-mail or websites on your cell phone while they finish the hole.
Pace of Play
USGA’s Golf Etiquette 101 reminds players they must maintain a reasonable pace on the course. If you take frequent breaks to check text messages or make phone calls on the course, even if you have no playing partners, you will eventually delay the players behind you. If you ever notice a group playing more quickly behind you, you should ask that group if it would like to play through.
Safety and Awareness
Even if you use your cell phone in a remote area of the course where you are sure you will not distract any players, you might put yourself in danger by becoming less aware of your surroundings. If you are absorbed in a cell phone conversation, you might not hear a player’s warning of “Fore!” when an erratic shot comes your way.
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