July 25, 2006
Open ban on mobile phones unlikely despite concerns
The death of a spectator from a heart attack is one reason cameraphones will probably not be banned from the Open championship, reports the Scotsman.
"Winner Tiger Woods complained about the number of times he or playing partner Sergio Garcia were distracted in the last round at Hoylake.
But David Hill, director of championships for the Royal and Ancient, said that while the situation will be examined, the incident on one of the practice days will make them think long and hard about a future ban.
You have to consider that people like to have mobiles with them for matters of urgency and have needed to get medical attention quickly. We have considered electronic screening. It's a step we would prefer not to take, but if the committee feels we have got to the stage where we have to do it we will. It would mean delays at the gates, but we will certainly be looking at it."
Related articles:
-- Tiger snaps at fans taking photographs
-- Woods Experiences Golfing in China: Click, Ring, Take a Swing
-- Golf Rules leave fans pining for phones
-- Call for Cameraphone ban on Golf Tournaments
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