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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.
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