Are Fans Allowed Mobile Phones On The PGA Tour?
Spectators are now constantly seen filming on their smartphones during PGA Tour events, is that allowed?
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

Spectators are now constantly seen filming on their smartphones during PGA Tour events, is that allowed?
Are Fans Allowed Mobile Phones On The PGA Tour?
Tiger Woods' comeback has created an awful lot of media coverage and in most images you see of him there are dozens of fans filming on their smartphones.
But are you allowed to film on your smartphone during a PGA Tour event?
The answer is yes.
Related: Mcilroy says crowds cost Tiger Woods two shots a week
The PGA Tour actually brought in a new policy last year, after previously only allowing spectators to use their phones for calls in designated areas, with a strict policy of no photography.
But in August 2017 the Tour announced a new mobile phone policy where fans were allowed to take images and videos of the action.
Bubba Watson complained about phones on the European Tour in 2011 when he played in the French Open, although he will have surely gotten used to them in the USA now.
At the time he said, "It's not a normal tournament. There's cameras, there's phones, there's everything.
"Every tee says 'no phones, no video cameras' and on every tee there's hundreds," Watson said.
Related: Golf Driving Distance Increase "Unusual And Concerning"
What is the PGA Tour's policy on mobile phones?
• Devices must be on silent at all times; flash may not be used. • Devices may be used to capture video, audio and photos (content) in all areas throughout tournament week. • Content may be used for personal purposes (e.g., personal social media); no commercial use. • No live streaming or real-time coverage (e.g., no shot-by-shot coverage). • Data use (e.g., texting) is permitted in all areas throughout tournament week. • Phone calls are allowed only in designated areas. • Please be respectful of play and do not interfere with players, caddies or media. • All posted signage and instructions from tournament staff must be observed. • Failure to comply with this policy may result in the revocation of your ticket.
What is the European Tour's policy on mobile phones?
The European Tour also brought in a new mobile phone policy last year, allowing fans to take pictures and videos and encouraging them to share those on social media.
The new policy was trialled at the Irish and Scottish Opens and was formally brought in at the Made in Denmark tournament in August.
Whilst both the PGA and European Tours now allow fans to use their phones whilst spectating, that still isn't the case at Augusta National for the Masters where there is a strict no-phones policy.
Related: 10 things you can't do at Augusta National
Make sure you follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Elliott Heath is our Senior Staff Writer and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news, features, courses and travel sections as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Elliott has interviewed some huge names in the golf world including Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Bernd Wiesberger and Scotty Cameron as well as a number of professionals on the DP World and PGA Tours. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as four Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays at West Byfleet Golf Club in Surrey, where his handicap index floats anywhere between 2-6. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: TaylorMade SIM2 Max
Hybrid: TaylorMade SIM Max
Irons: Mizuno MP5 4-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
-
Why It's Time To Bring Back The World Match Play Championship At Wentworth
There couldn't be a better time to resurrect the much-loved match play event
By Andrew Wright • Published
-
LIV Golf 'Would Dominate' PGA Tour In Ryder Cup Style Match - Phil Mickelson
The six-time Major winner claimed LIV Golf would dominate the PGA Tour "so soundly" if the two organisations had a match
By Elliott Heath • Published
-
When Byron Nelson Was Golf’s Winning Machine
Byron Nelson enjoyed phenomenal golfing success in a relatively brief career. Between 1935 and 1946 he won 50 tournaments including 18 in a single season
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
Golf’s Forgotten Major Winners
Today's Major champions are set for life, they enjoy sustained worldwide fame. It hasn't always been the case. Here we consider some of the forgotten men.
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
Should I Buy New Golf Shoes For Winter?
We highlight some of the reasons why a new pair for winter could be worth the money
By Joel Tadman • Published
-
7 Ways To Modify Your Golf Gear For Winter
Here, we highlight the seven ways to modify your golf gear for winter that could help lower your scores
By Joel Tadman • Last updated
-
How To Clean Golf Clubs And Grips
If you want to know how to clean golf clubs and grips, check out this step-by-step guide
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
How Long Must A Hole-In-One Be To Count?
Is there a minimum length? Are there circumstances where you might have to accept that your ace wasn’t the real deal?
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
10 Of The Best Feelings In Golf
These are just some of the reasons we keep coming back to this often testing game.
By Fergus Bisset • Published
-
Best Short Game Players Of All Time
A look at eight players who've displayed a level of genius around the greens, wielding a wedge like a magic wand.
By Fergus Bisset • Last updated