Technology and golf are no strangers.
The next big thing in drivers literally is the next big thing. The distance capability of a golf ball is cause for concern for those who govern the sport. The details of the square-groove debate are migraine inducing.
Now, advances in technology are making their way outside the ropes.
This week’s PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club is the first major to allow spectators to use mobile devices. Early results suggest there won’t be as great a struggle between culture and the sport.
“It let’s you stay in contact with the world, and in this day and age, with the way business is and the way our lives are, it’s hard to be out of touch for eight or 10 hours,” Allen Wronowski, President of the PGA of America, said earlier this week.
Spectators at Atlanta Athletic Club must adjust the volume on their phone or mobile device to silent or vibrate. There are designated areas on the course to make or accept phone calls. Cellphone cameras were permitted during practice rounds only, and no video is allowed.
But let the text messaging and web browsing begin.
“It’s a sign of the times, said Ron Hojnowski, of Acworth. “I think the PGA has to understand the times, and if you start trying to eliminate things like that you are going to make the game less enjoyable for people and make them not want to come out here.”
A mobile device not only lets fans keep up with what’s going on in the world, but also what’s going on a hole away. The PGA of America offered a free app to help fans follow the leaderboard. Hojnowski, and several friends, watched the action at the ninth green during Saturday’s third round. All had phones at the ready.
“This let us just follow a couple of groups, but still be able to keep track of what the other golfers are doing around the course,” said Hojnowski, who browsed a golf website for updates. “If someone gets hot, we can sneak over to another hole and see what’s going on there.”
The PGA of America tested the use of mobile devices at the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla in May.
There have been isolated issues of misuse here, according to Ryan Cannon, director of the PGA Championship.
Most of the problems have involved users taking photos during competitive rounds. Some chatted too close to the action. Those in violation are first warned when spotted in the wrong, and a sticker is placed on their entry badge. Caught again, and the device is surrendered and picked up upon exiting the course.
“The majority of fans have been following the rules and are enjoying this first-time mobile capability,” Cannon said.
The PGA of America would not disclose the number of devices it has confiscated this week.
“When you get modern, you have to grow with it,” said Dhiran Patel, of Raleigh, who downloaded the PGA of America’s app. “The game is growing and technology is so much a part of golf. It’s a great thing.
“You have to have respect for the players, the rules are 100 percent agreeable, but texting and things that don’t make noises shouldn’t be an issue.”
About the Author
