Is it appropriate to use your cell phone on the golf course?: #Reaction: Golf Digest

Is it appropriate to use your cell phone on the golf course?

Monday, September 17, 2012

By Ashley Mayo

Want to start an argument during your next dinner party? Ask your friends if it’s okay to use a cell phone during a round of golf.

When Golf Digest posed the question, via Facebook and Twitter, the responses varied from, “No way, BE RESPECTFUL!” to, “Of course, people, welcome to the 21st Century.”

Let’s start with those golfers who think seldom use is key.

@golfdigestmag If it's in moderation. "Work" is no excuse.If you had that much to do, you should've stayed at the office. #CoursePhone
— Eli Jordan (@TheEliJordan) September 14, 2012

Well said, Eli. If you think golf in and of itself is difficult (and it is), it becomes downright impossible once you start thinking about that email you never responded to, the PowerPoint presentation you have to give tomorrow, and those damn TPS reports you have to fill out. Brutal.

@golfdigestmag it is appropriate only if you're not holding up play or talking on the top of your lungs! Use respect and good judgment!
—Duke (@golfandhunt) September 14, 2012

I agree! Fully agree!

@golfdigestmag: I'm playing four days before wife gives birth, so phone's a must. Otherwise would be off on the course, camera excepted.
— John Schwarb (@VFGolfInsider) September 14, 2012

That’s a solid plan. But playing golf four days before your little one’s arrival, with or without your phone, is risky. You clearly live on the edge. I like it.

Dustin Warren, via Facebook: “I will not take or make calls during a serious round. But text Facebook and Tweet the whole round. Takes your mind off of bad shots and doesn't allow you to over think.”

Taking your mind off golf between shots is a wise move, but can’t you do that by looking up at the clouds or chatting with your partners? Surely, the Golf Digest Twitter and Facebook feeds are must-reads during any round of golf, but other information you receive via such mediums might distract you from concentrating when you need to turn back on.

A bunch of you use your smartphone as a GPS device (we recommend Golf Digest Live), making it a go-to resource during your round of golf. Others simply think that using your cell phone is a no-brainer in today’s hyper-connected world.

@golfdigestmag Silly question. They are now allowed in @pgatour events.It is fine to use your cell phone at the golf course. Part of life.
— cbails00 (@cbails00) September 14, 2012

Yes, they’re a part of life, and yes, the PGA Tour now allows spectators to use them. But just because you can use your cell phone while watching others play golf doesn’t mean it’s smart to get attached to it while you play golf.

@golfdigestmag it's the 21st century if your phone is on silent and using it doesn't distract or make noise it's fine!
— Rich Auld (@RichyAuld48) September 14, 2012

Can’t argue with this point.

William M. Jones, via Facebook: “Yes. And you can use it as a ball marker if you lose your coin.”

That’s one way to make lots of friends. (But not really.)

Kyle McGimsey, via Facebook: “I have my phone playing Pandora in the cupholder the entire round. Music makes the game even better!”

That’s another way to make even more friends! (But sooooo not really.)

Lastly, there are the traditionalists who can’t loosen their grip on the cell phone-free policies that’ve dominated the golf industry for decades.

@golfdigestmag Not. Golf course is a refuge from the madness of life.
— Dave (@DaveCC1109) September 14, 2012

How can anybody disagree, Dave? But even the most fortunate among us can't always afford to enjoy a cell phone-free sanctuary for more than four hours. Setting your phone on silent and checking it seldomly doesn't make golf any less calming.

@golfdigestmag Isn't appropriate, because golf is silence, beauty: a moment to touch the infinite with our hands. the cell's ring is rude.
— José ÿngel Domínguez (@joseandom) September 14, 2012

That's poetic. Also quite true.

Kyle Jones, via Facebook: "Look. Turn the darn thing off. You just paid, god knows how much to play and you slow things down for EVERYONE else. Turn the phone off."

Kyle, you seem upset. You've clearly had some bad run-ins with cell phone-obsessed golfers. I hope you can recuperate.

Perhaps my favorite comment comes from John Waldo, via Facebook: "I said never call me at the office!!!"

Right on, John. As George Dillon once said, "Real golfers go to work to relax."

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