• Loading stock data...
Saturday, May 31, 2025

Golf’s Other Majors Won’t Follow Masters Lead in Banning Phones

The PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship will not enact a phone ban like the one employed by The Masters.

Democrat and Chronicle

The phone ban employed by The Masters was widely hailed for improving both the tournament’s in-person experience and TV coverage. But don’t look for golf’s three other majors to emulate August National Golf Club’s strict ban on cellphones.

The PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship will continue to allow cellphones this year—albeit with restrictions. It’s not just about enabling paying fans to capture their experience. The advent of digital ticketing has made cellphones almost de rigueur when attending many sporting events. 

The next major on the schedule is the PGA Championship from May 15–18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C. The PGA of America will allow mobile phones—as long as they are kept in silent mode at all times with the camera flash turned off. If fans want to make or receive phone calls, they must be 100 yards away from the competition. 

“We are not considering a ban on cellphones at the PGA Championship,” a PGA of America spokesperson tells Front Office Sports.

The U.S. Open comes next from June 12–15 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. Fans can bring mobile devices as long as they are smaller than 7 inches in length and/or height. Some Android devices are larger than that, but Apple’s largest phone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, has a 6.9-inch display.

“At the USGA, we believe in meeting fans where they are—and that includes embracing the ways technology enhances the on-site championship experience,” says USGA spokeswoman Julia Pine.

The Open Championship rounds out this year’s majors from July 17–20 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Officials from the R&A, the governing body the organizes the Open Championship, declined to comment.  Sources with direct knowledge of the policy said spectators can bring mobile devices to the Open, but no photography or filming is allowed. They must be kept in silent mode. They can be used only in designated areas. Fans have to ensure their cellphones don’t disrupt play.  

Of course, telling fans what they can and can’t do with their phone is risky business. During the 2021 U.S. Open, Phil Mickelson was interrupted three times by a ringing phone as he addressed a shot. Even the affable Mickelson had enough. “Seriously?” Lefty asked the fan.

During the 2018 PGA Championship, a phone went off just as Tiger Woods was poised to hit a key drive during the final round. The crowd around Woods was enraged. “I thought I might see a riot,” noted one fan in attendance.

Of course, cellphones are not the only problem. It’s hard to stop fans from screaming, “Get in the hole,” while Rory McIlroy is in his backswing. But a phone ban during golf’s major championships might be a good start.

As I wrote, the electric atmosphere of The Masters translated like a current right through the TV screen, and it seems clear to many there that the phone ban was part of it. But it appears that in the immediate future, Augusta National will stand alone. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.

French Open Scheduling Sparks Backlash Over Women’s Time Slots

Coco Gauff has also said the French Open schedule could be improved.
Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson Accused of Rape and Abuse in Lawsuit

The woman says their relationship began when he was at Duke in 2018.

Featured Today

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.
Sha'Carri Richardson
May 29, 2025

Sha’Carri Richardson Enters Track Start-Up Fray With Alexis Ohanian

Richardson headlines a group of “advisor owners” with equity in the league.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
May 29, 2025

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 29, 2025

Panthers Clinch Stanley Cup Final Appearance, Stir Up Dynasty Talk

The Panthers clinched a third-straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
May 29, 2025

NCAA Exploring March Madness Expansion to 76 Teams in 2026

NCAA president Charlie Baker said March Madness discussions are ongoing.
Softball
May 29, 2025

MLB Makes Eight-Figure Investment in New Softball League 

Athletes Unlimited and Major League Baseball announced the deal Thursday morning.
May 25, 2025; MONACO; McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown at Circuit de Monaco.
May 28, 2025

F1’s Monaco GP Draws Third-Largest U.S. Audience Amid Track Criticisms

F1 will race in Monaco until at least 2031.