Using a mobile phone while playing golf

Should they be allowed??

One of my visitors yesterday used his phone about 5 times during the round for approx 2mins each time which resulted in me getting a ticking off from the other member we were playing with & a bollocking from the group of members that were behind us.

Were they justified or are they going over the top??

John.

To be honest, as long as he wasn't holding up play, or speaking loudly then I cannot see a problem with it.

I only use my phone on a golf course if it is really necessary.

Five times does seem a little over the top for one round, but you don't say what he was talking about.  Was somebody taken ill? 

If it was just chatting to his wife/girlfriend then I'd have to say 'Don't do it!'

Russ

Personally I feel that they went over the top.

However it depends on circumstances - its a bit off having a conference call whilst playing a round of golf but we are in the 21st century!

Also, a lot of phones are now able to utilise golf software!

I think if it was a muni then no problem but I think most people know that at private golf clubs there are different rules that imply.

We were slightly holding the group up behind us & if it weren't for us playing matchplay, where we were picking up balls when holes were won, it would have been worse.

Private clubs - probably not

Muni - fine

 Yes, different clubs have different policies. Personally I tink they're ok if left on in vibrating silent mode to receive a call which can be taken when shots completed. However someone who is conducting business whilst playing, ie in John's case is in my view inconsiderate and rude. Either play golf or stay in the office.

What is a mobile phone?

This is true Paul and discussions have mostly been about using mobiles for voice calls.

What about texting, emails or even entering stats for golf?

Would this be me?  I am the guilty party and apologise if I have got you into trouble John (I thought it was only a couple of times, but one was right next to the 18th green).  I wasn't the only one in the group though. 

I do agree with Russ in that if it's important it's OK but if it's just for social calls then it should wait.  I don't think it should matter whether it's a muni or a private course; the rules of the game are the same and that should cover etiquette too. 

To put it into perspective, on Friday next week I will be made redundant.  The calls I was receiving (I didn't make any) were from employment agencies discussing the jobs I have interviewed for this week and will be interviewing for next week.  I appreciate that it's not ideal to be taking calls on the course, but I'm sure given the big scheme of things I can be forgiven oin this occaiasion. 

Chris,

Yes, it was you, but I didn't want to 'name & shame'.

I think it does matter if it's a muni or private as private courses have their own rules which you have to adhere to (dress code etc) if you play there. One of Handsworth's rules is 'strictly no phones allowed on the golf course, if you wasn't aware of this then I'm partly to blame for not informing you (but you know now) & I should have asked you politely after the 1st instance to turn your phone off

Correct you weren't the only one using a phone. Mike also used his phone but in his case when his phone rang he let it divert to voice mail & then listened to this message whilst walking to his ball, at no time was he in a conversation. Mike has also been in your situation (for almost 3 months) & I can honestly say I've never seen him talking on his phone whilst playing golf.

If you desperatley needed to speak to these agencies then you could of either told them to ring after a certain time or asked them to leave a message & you would have rang them back.

In your case, notably the 9th & 18th, all 3 of us were waiting to play our shots whilst you casually strolled up to your ball whilst holding a conversation on the phone. I think this is where the annoyance came from.

I didn't want to make a big deal out of it but whilst you are my visitor I am responsible for your actions etc on the course & anything negative not only reflects bad on you but also me as well.

John.

ps have a good stag do tonight.

Understood both, and I apologise.  I did my best to keep calls to a minimum and was unaware of the "no mobiles" rule but that is no excuse.  It's not usual for me to take my phone out and believe that Handsworth's rule is correct (whether it's the local muni or Wentworth).  However, in the big scheme I'm afraid that my work situation is more important as it's what keeps a roof over my head (and me in golf balls!) and that's why I have made the exception to my own rule, as Paul did when Mel was due to drop. 

Once everything is settled then my mobile will once again stay in the car while I'm on the course.  If that means I have to stay away from Handsworth for a few weeks then I will as I also believe in respecting the rules of the club I'm playing at.  That is out of respect for the club rather than a teenage tantrum by the way

Chris,

you may have to stay away from most private clubs then as I would imagine you would get frowned upon for doing the same there (I can't imagine the Belfry excepting it either or you playing with a member, apart from Paul, endorsing it?)

Paul's case is slightly different with his wife due to give birth & most people can understand that. Other's may have a bit of difficulty understanding why any other calls can't be answered after a round of golf. Golf is suppose to be a 'break' from the stresses of day to day life.

Not sure who the teenager is?? & I didn't witness any tantrums, just people expressing an opinion.

I think Chris was referring to staying away for a while out of respect for the club rather than a teenage tantrum

I suppose if those are the rules of the club then so be it however I do feel that some of the golfing rules are very outdated and could do with some modernising.

(awaits lashback from crowd and therefore runs!!)

Absolutely - but I can see Chris' point too.

I do not like mobile phones on the golf course but in extreme cases there can be an exception. in my opinion finding employment is one of these especially in the current climate.

Could this problem not have been resolved if a member of his party had mentioned it after the first call?

Martin

 Dennis,

there are loads of rules that need updating & there have been many a debate on here about them but until they get changed rules is rules.

Until you have been a member of a private club it's hard to understand how things like this can blow out of proportion. If other members visitors act in a certain way then they / I expect other people's visitors to do likewise.

John. 

That is a very valid point John and I can definitely see where you are coming from although as you have mentioned, perhaps it would have been best to mention it after the first occurance.

Rules are definitely rules and should be adhered to however there are rules throughout the world that are now absurd including this country. For example, a quick search shows this:

It is illegal for a cab in the City of London to carry rabid dogs or corpses

Although this is not golf related, you can see how this rule (law) is silly and very outdated and impossible to enforce.

Perhaps golf needs to be updated to encourage more of the younger generation to get involved. I am young (27) and get asked many a time why I would want to play an old mans game

As long as your group is not holding up play then it's fine to use your phone, as long as your playing partners don't mind!  Always ask before you play, give a reason for why you might be expecting a call, etc.

If you are holding up play then at the next tee let the group behind play through, or get the people who are calling you to call back later (after you know your round will be finished) or tell them you will call them back later (or tomorrow).

Each situation is different to the others, I've know people get their phone out during a round to get a tv programme taped, even though it won't be on until 9pm and we're playing at 10am!

Russ

It now seem a way of life to some people. If they can't see why a Rule is beneficial to them, they won't recognise it.

Hospitals banned Mobiles because the signals could interfere with Medical equipment. Golf Clubs banned them because the noise of the Ring-Tones put Golfers off.

It is a simple case of a Rule been put in place because of a small minority. If everyone had their phone on silentvibrate and kept the calls to a minimum they would be allowed on more courses, but that doesn't happen.

Golf wise. If you want to use your Mobile on the course and its not allowed, go somewhere else or don't use it.

That is a good point David.

A friend of mine is persistant about leaving his phone on and not on silent. I always enure it is on silent and that I do not cause anybody any distractions when using this.

However if the rule is strictly no phones, then so be it.

Paul, I think that some rules COULD do with being updated to encourage the younger generation. Tiger may be an inspiration to the young however that just teaches them to drive the ball!!

 YesI think we've talked that one through with no dissent. Whilst on the subject of slow play, what do you think of fourballs marking their cards up on the green as opposed to waiting 'til they get onto the next tee and also another one that gets me. People who leave their bags/trolleys quite a distance away from their point of play, endlessly meandering back and forth like a bloody yo-yo. 

I read a story a while back about a Pro Golfer from somewhere in the South who got 4th or 5th Alternate for the Open at Carnoustie. He didn't think he would get in so he went home. He was playing on the Tuesday morning when his Mobile went off. A guy playing near-by went bolistic, "NO MOBILES ALLOWED ON THE COURSE, TURN IT OFF". The Pro was trying to listen to what the caller was saying and it was difficult because this guy was still shouting and getting closer.

The Pro got the message, he was in and was Teeing off at 7.50am Thursday. When the guy got to him he was still shouting and what the Pro apparently said to him was.

"Sir, you have disruted more peoples games by your shouting than I did taking that important call, I shall be playing in The Open on Thursday. What will you be doing?"

In fairness Nick, John wouldn't have named and shamed me but I fessed up.  I admit that I took a fair numer of calls (I looked at my history and it was five) and given the 'no mobiles' rule the club has in place I did go beyond the acceptable - especially as John has had his collar felt by the committee. 

I have been stating to my playing partners that I would have my phone on me and explaining the reason why but failed to do so on this occasion.  That was an oversight on my part and would have given my playing partners the opportunity to highlight the rule. 

I don't possess a mobile myself and it does not bother me on the course if others receive calls during a round. But then I am deaf.

Filey GC has a very strict NO MOBILES rule that the older member stick to.

If you have never played Filey please be patient with me.

One day I was stood on the 18th Tee when I saw something out on The Brigg, I got my Mobile and rang a number I had in it.

"What do you want?" came a voice from the 1st green above me.

"Andy, whats going on out there?" pointing to four figures out on The Brigg.

Andy was Cox of the Filey Lifeboat and also a member of the Golf Club. He told me to get The Coastguard while he got the Lifeboat Launched. We stood by the 1st green on our Mobiles and one of the older members seeing us jumped into a Cart and rode up to us.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Co-ordinating a rescue! What do you think" replies Andy.

Four fishermen had decided that it would be OK to stay out on The Brigg during High-Tide and be Cut-Off for a couple of hours.

It was Andy's day off so he didn't have to go out on the Lifeboat but he stayed by the 18th Tee watching what went on.

Some people need Mobiles with them at all times others don't.

I agree with Wayne, using your mobile phone shows a total lack of respect for your playing partners and other users of the course. It really gets under my skin that people feel that they are so important that they cannot be without contact for 3-4 hours.  If I was about to be made redundant, the last thing on my mind would be the beautiful game of golf.

Fair enough, if you are on call, expecting a baby etc, then leave it on silent and check it from time to time, if the conditions allow.

I remember when mobiles first came out and people started using them in pubs and all sorts. A chap where I work was on the phone while using the bathroom the other day! Where will it end!!

Rant over.

Nick / Pat,

Out of the 5 times I only noticed 2 (I was informed of the other 3 after). The 1st one I ignored as I know Chris & I thought it must have been important as he is not the arrogant type to think he is above the rules. The 2nd one I noticed I did actually go up to him & ask him to hang up.

I didn't come running to the forum to 'slag' him off & my post was titled 'Should mobile be allowed...' & not 'Guess what Chris did today?'.

I made the post to gauge the general opinion to see if the members who complained were going overboard (regardless of the rule) or they were justified & from the replies it seems pretty split down the middle.

I hope this satisfies the curiosity

Pat,

John would it not have been prudent of you to inform Chris of the no mobile rule when he recieved his first call ? 

I presumed this was a question to which my reply was aimed at??

John.

Pat,

are you saying it wasn't a question? if so you may want to make sure you don't finish an opinion with a question mark (?) so that you don't get other people answering other opinions.

No problem glad I could help out

Many years ago at my previous quite snooty club I was walking up the 11th fairway with a quest having a knock. I made a phone call whilst walking down to my ball a short call and had finished before i arrived at my ball.About 80 yrds past the 11th green is the 12th tee where 4 old boys were teeing off ,I'm around 220yrds away from them. Just getting to the green one of the old fellas came marching over to me as the 12th fairway goes passed the 11th green stopped in front of me and barked "was that a mobile phone you were using" I said "it was" he said "Are you aware we have a strict no mobile policy on the course" I said "I do , but do you realise you are talking to a Doctor"  he then said" In that case i'm terrible sorry" and walked off. To this day I don't know how I kept a straight face. I'm still very often call Dr Ley from old member friends who heard the story..........But it's not big or clever and I wont do it again.....unless its a medical emergency of course.

Flooddy change your advatar its giving me the H***

Now I know where to come for a cure, Doc.

Dr Ley, you referring to my avatar I was told to change or my current avatar??

Yes I know and rightly so it was so degrading,you do realise there are ladies and Waynetta who use this forum, If I was Mod you would have taken it down weeks ago .........now go take a cold shower!!

And some bromide!!

Degrading? It was a picture of beauty & very artistic. I really need to thank the person for sending me the photos..........Thanks Dave

Beware anyone who dare have a 'risky' avatar of a female cos I'm on the lookout for revenge

Correct Martin , He was the black sheep of the family and we dont talk about him............

Unlike you to be uninterested in talking about sheep Dave.......

Prefer fluffy white ones...........Oh god that makes me a racist and you a stereotyper. I like all sheep honest espaecially those New Zealanders.....

But I don't like the ones who munch their way around Southern Down GC whilst bleating into Mobil fones as we say down yer isinit looku !