Cellphone use during golf

[Queen of the Beach]

Technology has improved our lives and provided us with modern conveniences such as the cellphone. But does it have its place on the golf course? What are your thoughts on answering your cell? Returning a missed call while waiting for your turn? Switching to vibrate setting? Or should we all leave the phone in the car?

[VBall]

i hate to do it but I have to leave my phone on all the time for work. maybe that's why people don't like playing with me... :confused:

[Mok]

it depends ... i turn my phone on vibrate, but not like i'll answer calls, important ppl will know to text msg me instead...

[Focker Singh]

Technology has improved our lives and provided us with modern conveniences such as the cellphone. But does it have its place on the golf course? What are your thoughts on answering your cell? Returning a missed call while waiting for your turn? Switching to vibrate setting? Or should we all leave the phone in the car?

BTW, sweet pic of that Canadian chick on 24...whats her name? SHES HOT! Anyways, I personally bring my phone but have it off when I play. I just bring it just incase I need it. I think its ok to bring it to the course but just make sure its on vibrate. I hate hearing the ring when you're just about to hit or putt. Lots of business is done on the golf course so I don't mind people using it as long as they respect their fellow players not only in the group but around the course too.

[Ems]

I think it's ok as long as the person is discreet with it and makes sure it doesn't distract their group or others. Let's make this into a poll :)

[Ego Woods]

Cellphone is on silent when I hit the course and I'll rarely take it out unless I know I'm expecting a call.

If I play with friends, I know they won't really mind if I talk on the phone as long as their not in the middle of hitting or putting (probably talk when I'm walking to the next tee or walking very far after I hit my drive 300 yrds!!!)

But if I play with ppl I'm not too familiar with...somebody's boss or a co-worker, the phone will not come out of the bag ever.

[Mok]

Cellphone is on silent when I hit the course and I'll rarely take it out unless I know I'm expecting a call.

If I play with friends, I know they won't really mind if I talk on the phone as long as their not in the middle of hitting or putting (probably talk when I'm walking to the next tee or walking very far after I hit my drive 300 yrds!!!)

But if I play with ppl I'm not too familiar with...somebody's boss or a co-worker, the phone will not come out of the bag ever.
ya, like i said earlier and what erwin said, it depends who you are playing with and the situation, but one thing for sure is not to leave the phone on loud ringer!

[openflows]

I got a blackberry this year so I could spend more time on the golf course and I have never regretted it. I keep it on vibrate, and I use it discretely, but being able to send/receive email and if need be use the telephone while playing has made it way easier for me to play more.

Most of the people I know who are under 40 are totally pro-cellphone on the golf course. Generally speaking the golf demographic is older rather than younger, and retired, rather than just starting one's career. So as a whole, it tends to see a clear seperation of leisure and work. For me, my work is pleasure, and in some regards, my golf takes a lot of work! So I tend to think of work while golfing, and think of golf while working. Being able to work while on the golf course is ironically a really peaceful zen place for me to be. :)

Now that's the virtual office! Fore! ;)

[noback]

Some of us can only play if we bring our cell phones. I have contracts all around the city and for my business to stay healthy I must be accessible to my customers. I leave my phone on silent as even the vibrate mode makes some noise, and only use it when i need to. Other than that I check it every couple of holes and make calls away from the rest of my group or any other group for that matter.:D

[Shadow]

Technology has improved our lives and provided us with modern conveniences such as the cellphone. But does it have its place on the golf course? What are your thoughts on answering your cell? Returning a missed call while waiting for your turn? Switching to vibrate setting? Or should we all leave the phone in the car? Cell is in my bag on vibrate. The only call that I might get is from my wife and that would be because of an emergency or to bring home lunch(an emergency):)

During tournament play it is off. Being of the older generation, it does bother me to see them used on the course, while driving, and in restaurants where 50 people have to listen to your conversation. However, I do understand that they are a way of life and business people need to use them at times.

[el tigre]

Well, I'm lucky that I don't have to be accessible at all times for my job because that would drive me nuts! I realize its sometimes necessary but it would not be for me personally.

I've never put a cellphone in my golf bag. In fact, I rarely have it ON or even take it out of the car. I pretty much use it for outgoing calls only.

IMHO, it is very rude and selfish to call someone on a cellphone for small talk AT ANY TIME - let alone on the golf course. Telephones are intrusive by their very nature, so if I'm going to make someone drop whatever they're doing wherever they are and talk to me RIGHT NOW (perhaps with 20 strangers listening in), then I better have something important to say.

[Golf 4 Fun]

I believe that in this day and age, cellphone presence on golf courses are unavoidable. However, how one uses the cellphone while on the course needs to be discussed, such as:

1. Ringers should be set to vibrate
2. Should you take an incoming call, or should you just check for messages and call back?
3. If you take or make a call while you are playing a hole, should you:
3.a Allow people behind you to play through?
3.b Put your call on hold while you play your shot?
3.c. Pick up your ball and proceed to the next hole?
BTW, I once heard a phone presistently ringing on a fairway until I saw a guy running with another cellphone in hand, and zeroing on the sound, and retrieving the first phone. Apparently, he had dropped it and was using the ringing tone to find it. This is the one time that having cellphone set to ring turned out to be helpful :)

[Ems]

Well, I'm lucky that I don't have to be accessible at all times for my job because that would drive me nuts! I realize its sometimes necessary but it would not be for me personally.

I've never put a cellphone in my golf bag. In fact, I rarely have it ON or even take it out of the car. I pretty much use it for outgoing calls only.

IMHO, it is very rude and selfish to call someone on a cellphone for small talk AT ANY TIME - let alone on the golf course. Telephones are intrusive by their very nature, so if I'm going to make someone drop whatever they're doing wherever they are and talk to me RIGHT NOW (perhaps with 20 strangers listening in), then I better have something important to say.
Hmm, I better think twice before calling my bf to shoot the ****. Didn't reaize how rude it was to command his attn at whim.

I think the telephone is one of the best technological achievements in mankind and now with wireless and the Internet and whatever VoIP can bring, everyone will know when I'm at home, at work, in my car, in the can, etc. It's great!

[mikejb]

Can I just ask how this thread got brought back to life when there was a poll about it 4 topics down?
http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/showthread.php?t=61

[danakin]

Cell phones are fine, as long as they are not intrusive, and respect the space of other persons in their vicinity. Private clubs, in my opinion, can stipulate whatever they want with respect to their use. On public courses, a modicum of respect for your fellow players should be exercised.
This is all quite situational too. If the course is crowded, then a loud ringing phone will be obtrusive to those around you. If it's just four buddies, on a relatively 'un-busy' day, and they are taking the game lightly, then it's less of an affront if the phone rings. It all depends on the setting. Personally, I would prefer to err on the side of courtesy and set the thing to 'vibrate'.

[i002399]

There's little worse than "teeing off" with some "businessman" yammering on his mobile while waiting for his buddy to putt.

Wait for the turn or the end of the round for those loud-mouth conversations. RIM use is pretty cool as it doesnt interfere with other people's game. These jacka$$es who think they're a big deal because they can golf every few days, and spend most of the time between shots gabbing away are fooling themselves - typically they're too distracted to shoot well anyway and waste everyone's time. Sound like you? If so - you're a total pain in the a$$ to golf with, and even less considerate to the guys in other groups.

Set to vibrate, call back at the turn or in a position as not to interfere with a golfer's day - or go back to your office because you're obviously too important to the day-to-day operations to be out on the course.

We have one guy who continuously brings his phone onto the course. This year, it's going into the first pond it rings near - he's been reminded enough times. Perhaps he needs a more stern reminder.

:nono:
Roach

[Grass Roots Tour]

No .. no ... no ... did I mention "no" ? Leave the flippin phone in the car. If ya need to check messages between nines then leave cause you'll just bung up the rest of the course when you finally return to the tenth.
Besides... your not that important anyway. Get over yourselves.

[Greywolf]

I always leave my cell in the car, there is no need, at least for me, to have mine on the course.

[dks_34]

This morning I was at the driving range just swinging enjoying my time. A couple of people were next to me and this one guys cell phone must have rang about 5 times in 10 minutes. He had the volume up at the loudest possible and when he was on the phone he didn't back away from the tee area. I don't think I was the only person getting annoyed. I know I was at the driving range but I think that was a little rude. :hush:

[GolfaLicious]

This morning I was at the driving range just swinging enjoying my time. A couple of people were next to me and this one guys cell phone must have rang about 5 times in 10 minutes. He had the volume up at the loudest possible and when he was on the phone he didn't back away from the tee area. I don't think I was the only person getting annoyed. I know I was at the driving range but I think that was a little rude. :hush:
should golfers like us stay quiet and not let these rude golfers know they are distracting others??!?

[i002399]

should golfers like us stay quiet and not let these rude golfers know they are distracting others??!?
No, push them back into the holes they crawled out of the ground from. These guys are just a bunch of inconsiderate *****s (language used as we know many of you ********* read this forum).

:rolleyes:
Roach

[tk416]

should golfers like us stay quiet and not let these rude golfers know they are distracting others??!?

First off... Nice avatar...love to see the full pic...

I'd like to make a little comment on this whole cell-phone thing.

In today's day, communication is key. Meaning being able to work remotely as well as being accessible. I don't necessarily like it when someone's phone rings on course but it happens and I try not to let it bother me. As well, I've got a job where I need to be accessible to service my clients. Does that mean I sit at home beside my phone waiting for it to ring? Of course not. I go about my day and if that means I'm on the course and it rings, then it rings. If it disrupts you than I apologize. About the $$$. Business is business...

As far as the guy at the range talking on his phone. So What??? He's got the same right you do to be there. Yes he may be loud, yes, he may be on the mat talking, yes he may be an idiot, so what? You're at THE RANGE? He could be closing a deal and wanted to get the stress out by hitting balls, he could be a Dr. talking to patients, whatever... I can't tell you how many times, I've seen people instructing one another loudly. Same thing, kind of annoys me but you just got to look or hear past it and work on your swing. Stop blaming the guy on the cell for your slice or worm burner.

Hit your balls, work on tempo and try to relax.

No, push them back into the holes they crawled out of the ground from. These guys are just a bunch of inconsiderate *****s (language used as we know many of you ********* read this forum).How do you know what's going on in there lives that you can say such an ignorant remark?

My 2 cents...

[i002399]

First off... Nice avatar...love to see the full pic...

I'd like to make a little comment on this whole cell-phone thing.

In today's day, communication is key. Meaning being able to work remotely as well as being accessible. I don't necessarily like it when someone's phone rings on course but it happens and I try not to let it bother me. As well, I've got a job where I need to be accessible to service my clients. Does that mean I sit at home beside my phone waiting for it to ring? Of course not. I go about my day and if that means I'm on the course and it rings, then it rings. If it disrupts you than I apologize. About the $$$. Business is business...

As far as the guy at the range talking on his phone. So What??? He's got the same right you do to be there. Yes he may be loud, yes, he may be on the mat talking, yes he may be an idiot, so what? You're at THE RANGE? He could be closing a deal and wanted to get the stress out by hitting balls, he could be a Dr. talking to patients, whatever... I can't tell you how many times, I've seen people instructing one another loudly. Same thing, kind of annoys me but you just got to look or hear past it and work on your swing. Stop blaming the guy on the cell for your slice or worm burner.

Hit your balls, work on tempo and try to relax.

How do you know what's going on in there lives that you can say such an ignorant remark?

My 2 cents...Sorry for my "ignorant remark" - i just dont understand how these guys continuously defend their inconsiderate actions by using the "busy man" excuse. In the same right, these guys should feel free to use their phones at restaurants, libraries, a hockey game, since they arent hurting anyone.....

My problem isnt the fact that they use the technology, i bring my RIM to the course to be more accessible, but dont use it every 2 minutes, and dont "yammer" on the phone while other people (in or outside of my foursome) are trying to swing or set up a shot. It's the morons who feel they are within their rights to hollar on the phone while waiting at tee blocks, or waiting for a green to clear while others are out having a nice day on the course. It seems with all of the wireless technology, users feel they are within their rights to interfere with other people's time off. Just because you are working, doesnt mean that everyone on the course is. Some people are actually out there to enjoy a day away from the office, not deal with someone else's office noise in a park-like setting.

what's great is often these guys are the first people to b&tch and complain when someone makes a bag noise in their back-swing, or when they "miff" a putt.

Great topic. Would love to hear more from the loud guys.

Some restaurants are now cel-free zones, keep up the noise boys, soon we'll have the same on the course. That would be sweeeet.

[tk416]

lol... What restaurant is a cell-free zone?

Seems you're lumping all cell-phone users into one catagory I don't necessarily think that's fair. As far as you not using your RIM every 2 minutes, that's great for you. However I'm in a position where a good day is ONLY 30 emails. I NEED to get back to my clients in a timely manner, thus the need to talk and ocassionaly write an email on course. I'm however very respectful about who I'm with and don't slow up play or disturb my partners.

I think the differences here are we're talking about are RUDE golfers in general. That may be from inconsiderate cell-phone use, talking while others are teeing off or putting, etc...

[i002399]

lol... What restaurant is a cell-free zone?

Seems you're lumping all cell-phone users into one catagory I don't necessarily think that's fair. As far as you not using your RIM every 2 minutes, that's great for you. However I'm in a position where a good day is ONLY 30 emails. I NEED to get back to my clients in a timely manner, thus the need to talk and ocassionaly write an email on course. I'm however very respectful about who I'm with and don't slow up play or disturb my partners.

I think the differences here are we're talking about are RUDE golfers in general. That may be from inconsiderate cell-phone use, talking while others are teeing off or putting, etc...
There are more than a dozen restaurants in Toronto which are cell-free...
I am lumping the good and the bad users for sure... possibly because the only ones we hear on the course are the jerks.

"I'm however very respectful about who I'm with and don't slow up play or disturb my partners" - are you equally or more respectful to those not in your group?

[tk416]

No, I'm there to piss as many people off as possible... Come on...

This thread is starting to get a little tiresome...

Good luck to yourself... Have a great season...

[Mok]

lol... What restaurant is a cell-free zone?
i wouldn't say cell phone free restaurant, just have to put your phone on silent...

[mikejb]

I said it once, I will say it again. I am with TK.

Can I just ask how this thread got brought back to life when there was a poll about it 4 topics down?
http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/showthread.php?t=61

[GolfaLicious]

First off... Nice avatar...
Thanks.

[Ems]

Isn't it just talking into a cell phone? What's the difference if you're talking to someone else in person?

What makes it rude is how loud you talk and when. If someone's teeing off, I won't be talking to someone else in the foursome, just like how I won't talk on the phone. It's how cognizant you are of others around you while talking on the phone that makes you rude or not.

And to solve the ringing problem, keep your phone on silent.

[smak]

Personally, I don't mind people talk loud or sing beside my tee off. It just wouldn't bother me at all. But for the good of other players, I will stop answering any calls in the middle of the game from now on.

[Mok]

Personally, I don't mind people talk loud or sing beside my tee off. It just wouldn't bother me at all. But for the good of other players, I will stop answering any calls in the middle of the game from now on.
Thank goodness...not that I blame my partner's cell phone for my poor score anyways haha

[Big Shooter]

Bump for the jerk that played with us @ Diamondback yesterday! :rolleyes:
....and for a certain 'someone' who mentioned there should be a thread about this!!!

Just say NO to PHONES on the course, ESPECIALLY on WEEKENDS!!!!

[landlord]

Okay, you get invited to a dinner party where the other guests are Charles Barkley, Queen Elizabeth II, Vladimir Putin, Mel Gibson and Kim Jong-il.

You're obviously a very important person, or maybe you're just "interesting." In any case, do you bring your cellphone to the table?

It's rude, no other word for it. Unless you're with close friends -- and maybe even then -- leave it in the car.

[Mule56]

I'm on call 24 hours a day 363 days of the year. And yes, I get paid well for it. Like a lot of other things in life, there is a way to do it with out being rude and a way not, which is being rude and inconsiderate of others. As many here will tell you when we have played they never knew the phone was on and any calls I made or took have never interfered with their enjoyment of the round.
Mule

[dekker]

when you go and play golf with your cell on it means somebody owns you.

[Mule56]

when you go and play golf with your cell on it means somebody owns you.

Yep your right. And for what I get paid then can own away.
Mule

[thekathrynorchard]

Yep your right. And for what I get paid then can own away.
Mule

Brilliant! :D:D:D

I agree, sometimes its just unavoidable, you might have to have it with you. I also agree with you Mule in saying that it is quite possible to enjoy the benefits (or burdens, however you may view it) of being able to be reached should your profession require it without even letting on to others that your phone is with you at all.

[aaagc]

Yep your right. And for what I get paid then can own away.
Mule

No one gets paid enough to be stand being disturbed by someone elses phone.

[Golfbum]

:rofl: I'm on call 24 hours a day 363 days of the year. And yes, I get paid well for it. Like a lot of other things in life, there is a way to do it with out being rude and a way not, which is being rude and inconsiderate of others. As many here will tell you when we have played they never knew the phone was on and any calls I made or took have never interfered with their enjoyment of the round.
Mule

I could handle playing golf with Mule and his cell phone as he seems to know enough to leave it on vibrate. Plus it sounds like he does not yak on it while in the middle of your backswing.

PLUS, as he said he is ON CALL. This is his livelyhood he is talking about. You can not expect a guy to give up golf because he is on call.

This is far different than the guy who carries it on the course so his wife or kids can constantly call him and ask "WHEN YOU COMING HOME?" 20 minutes later "PICK UP SOME MILK ON YOUR WAY HOME" 20 minutes later "WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO BE FINISHED YOUR ROUND" Now how annoying would that be? :eek:

I golfed with a guy at my course who was a real estate agent. His damn phone was constantly going off, he would yap in the middle of your swing etc. One day he was playing with a friend of mine, and the phone starts ringing right in the middle of my friends swing. He stops, turns around, looks this dude straight in the eye and said "If that phone rings again I will take it off your waist and toss it into the next pond I drive past" Uhhhhhhh needless to say the phone did not ring again for the rest of that round :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: In fact I never saw that guy with that cell phone again on the course. He got the hint and when he golfed he was not available for calls. Hmmmm maybe that is why I have not seen him for a couple of years! Too busy waiting for calls at home :D

[Mule56]

No one gets paid enough to be stand being disturbed by someone else's phone.

If my cell phone, in my pocket, on vibrate, is brothering you when I'm playing golf, you need to get your hands out of my pocket.:rofl: And yes this would disturb me. :eek:
If my conversation, 20 feet away from you bothering you, you need stop eavesdropping and get something to do with your spare time;) .

Mule

[Mule56]

:rofl:

I could handle playing golf with Mule and his cell phone as he seems to know enough to leave it on vibrate. Plus it sounds like he does not yak on it while in the middle of your backswing.

PLUS, as he said he is ON CALL. This is his livelyhood he is talking about. You can not expect a guy to give up golf because he is on call.


Golfbum,
Glad to see someone understands. I make every possible concession to ensure my on course activities do not disturb my playing partners.
I would glad play a round with you any time. :)
Mule

[simar]

my crackberry stays in the bag the entire time, If I am expecting a call, then bluetooth to the rescue. Carrying the cell is unavoidable, but I do make an effort to not disturb others and be brief. That is what I expect from fellow golfers, and thats what I try to give them in return.

[goshawk]

My thoughts....if the phone is on vibrate and you're not disturbing other members of the 4some when you answer it or holding up play, by all means bring it. I've had to answer my phone on the course several times. I never know when a student needs to call me. I always do it when away from other golfers. I've even skipped a hole because I couldn't finish the call before it was my turn to hit (just pick up the ball and move on). No one can expect a person to put his livelihood on hold just because they are on a golf course. Afterall, it is a game, not an occupation. If I'm speaking softly from 20-30 feet away and I'm disturbing someone, maybe they should do something about those "rabbit ears".

[SoNgMaN]

annoys the hell out of me if it's not on vibrate. i'm in a position where a customer could call me anytime if i'm golfing during business hours it's on vibrate and check after 9

[TehFlakes]

I try to keep it on vibrate but sometimes you just forget!.



annoys the hell out of me if it's not on vibrate. i'm in a position where a customer could call me anytime if i'm golfing during business hours it's on vibrate and check after 9

[iyell4]

I try to keep it on vibrate but sometimes you just forget!.

yeah, and they you get a stereophonic Mozart Concerto ringtone arriving just as your lining up a 6 foot birdie putt to win a fistful o' skins.:)

[hogannut]

I personally don't like them on the course. However at least nowadays you can set it to different sounding rings. If the ring is not annoying then I don't really care. I was playing with a guy on Monday who said he had to leave early and made a few calls to his son as he wanted to keep playing. Or if you have some kind of pending issue, maybe like a pregnant wife, or an emergency fine. But if you're going to golf course to talk business on your phone stay in the office.

[TehFlakes]

Nah
Billy Talent - Burn the Evidence!



yeah, and they you get a stereophonic Mozart Concerto ringtone arriving just as your lining up a 6 foot birdie putt to win a fistful o' skins.:)

[Thimble]

i think it's still considered poor etiquette to use your cellphone on a golf course, although etiquette changes as people break it often enough. imagine, it used to be considered poor etiquette to pick up food with the prongs of your fork. who the heck sticks to that anymore?

golf, at it's root, is about being considerate to your playing partners. why? 'cause the game is tough enough on it's own, you don't need other people making it even more difficult.

if you bring your phone, fine. just keep it on silent (not vibrate - i can hear that from pretty far away), and check it every couple of holes or so. if you need to make a call, then do it between shots and far away from anyone making a swing. and please, don't delay the round. keep the calls short.

[guitarman]

I leave my cell in the car. My wife carries hers turned on at the golf course. Usually its just the two of us. Most of the calls are just from the kids. Does it bother me? Yes. The only other couples that we play with are my sister and her boyfriend and they are worse.
I like it much better when I get out occasionaly with the guys from work.

[goshawk]

Unfortunately, there are lots of us who do need to be within easy reach. I have had several new students arrange lessons while I was playing. At those times, I just picked up my ball and stayed away from the others in my group so I wouldn't disturb anyone. I just make sure that no one knows when it rings except me. That's why they included a "vibrate" setting. There are also times that I've seen guys on the first tee with phones/blackberry/etc. hanging on the belt and asked them (politely) whether they had it on vibrate. A couple didn't and thanked me for reminding them. It's very easy to forget and also very easy to nicely remind someone.

[BirdieGirl]

I must agree with those posters who have stated that sometimes in this day and age, we must be available at all times~ including via cell phone. I have been self employed for the past eight years and can understand this fully. Luckily enough, I do have most part of summers off, so my calls are to a minimum this time of year, but part of the reason my business has been successful is that I can be reached when needed.

That said, there are ways to be available by phone and be respective and courteous of other golfers at the same time. Things (like ther posters have suggested as well) such as keeping your phone on vibrate, speaking softly or stepping far enough away so your voice doesn't carry all over, being brief or picking up your ball so that your call doesn't interupt or delay your fellow golfers game... all those things are pretty basic and easy to do.

Incidentally, I was witness to some terrible cell phone ettiquette on the course about week or so ago. A woman~ who was not even golfing, just riding in the cart with her spouse (both members of our course)~ was yakking away on her cell constantly. It didn't bother me/us as they were golfing ahead of us and we couldn't hear her, only see her...that is until one of my guests was about to tee off all about 30 yards away from her and all we could hear was this woman's voice carrying on about car repairs to her vehicle. Even worse, when I quietly walked toward her and politely (and with a smile) asked if she wouldn't mind keeping it down as her call was interferring with my guests' who were about to hit their tee shots, in reply I received the nastiest look and a rude reply in return. All I could do was laugh right at her and comment on her pathetic lack of manners, common sense and ettiquette. She did manage to keep it down from thereonin though...:rolleyes:

[sharkhark]

Played in a group with some real estate guys I met who invited me to their getogether. Problem was, two out of three I was paired with, had phones constantly ringing.
The one rep even asked other guy how many calls he took. He answered, 26!!
He then recommended all put their phones on vibrate, but only 1 did. I still had to hear hockey night in canada theme in middle of every putt.

[Bellyhungry]

Once or twice during a round does not bother me, I recognize that remain reachable are important in these days and age.

However, if it is done excessively or it impedes the pace of play, it will bother me.

[wayland]

Played in a group with some real estate guys I met who invited me to their getogether. Problem was, two out of three I was paired with, had phones constantly ringing.
The one rep even asked other guy how many calls he took. He answered, 26!!
He then recommended all put their phones on vibrate, but only 1 did. I still had to hear hockey night in canada theme in middle of every putt.

So even when asked they refused to put it on vibrate? Geez, I'd be right in there arguing if it were me and things would probably get nasty very quickly as I'd be coughing and murmuring during their downswings to give them a taste of their own medicine.

[goshawk]

So even when asked they refused to put it on vibrate? Geez, I'd be right in there arguing if it were me and things would probably get nasty very quickly as I'd be coughing and murmuring during their downswings to give them a taste of their own medicine.

You're just being beligerent (while I'm quietly yodelling next to my cart!):rofl:

[7873]

i hate to do it but I have to leave my phone on all the time for work. maybe that's why people don't like playing with me... :confused:

I do the same...I have too for work. I try to remember to put it on vibrate. Most people are OK with it.

[3whack]

Strictly enforced rule at our club---no cell phones.

Anything else ain't golf.

[962B]

LET EVERYONE USE A CELL PHONE ON THE COURSE IF IT KEEPS THEM OFF OUR ROADS.

[Carlton]

There's a no cell phone rule in my club except in designated areas (parking lot and outside the pub). If you're a guest of mine, I hope they respect that rule or that might be their last invite. If I respect the rules of the club, I'd expect my guests to respect me enough to do likewise.

Regardless of public or private course, the moment just before I step on the tee box, my B'berry goes into my golf bag and doesn't come out until the turn or end of the round.

[<<BSD>>]

Although I agree with the no cellphone in the course rule. If there is ever an emergency (wife, kids, etc) and my wife (or anyone) couldn't get a hold of me I couldn't of forgive myself. If I can't have a cellphone with me where I'm going, then I go somewhere else. Again I have answered my cellphone (in vibrate BTW) maybe 4 times in over 70 rounds of golf.

[guitarman]

I don't like the cell phones on the course for myself. So far (other than my wife) other cell phone users have not bothered me too much.

[Samick]

I HATE cell phones on a golf course...it drives me nuts because not everybody is polite enough to put it on vibrate. Never fails.....havin a great front nine and RRRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG.

I actually had a guy about 20 yards away from me while I was on the 10th tee and his cell went off followed by him blaring at the top of his lungs to a buddy of his......of course during my swing. You can imagine where the ball went.....and the profanity that came out of my mouth followed by a glaring look in his direction. The guy actually had the nerve enough to look at me, ask his buddy to hold on a second to ask me "Ya didnt like that one did ya!!??" Cracked up laughing in my face......my response wasnt too polite at this point and I have yet to figure out how I restrained myself from wrapping my driver around his noggin!

I realize some people need to have cells with them, like if they are on call, wife is preggers, etc..... but seriously, is it that important that you cant wait 2 hours for the front nine to finish, make a couple call backs before the back nine....and then look at the messeges again after the 18 is done?

To all of those who have cell phones on vibrate, I commend you on your efforts....and especially if you quietly move to another side of the fairway to take that important call. Others arent so respectful and make it bad for the rest.

[guitarman]

I think the problem with why the vibrate thing doesn't work for many is that most don't like to carry thier cells in their pockets. Especially with some of these black berries that are larger than cells. so they leave it on their cart and let it ring so they can hear it. I was playing with a top executive of a company at an HP torunament in London yesterday and he had his on vibrate. WHile riding in the cart to our next holes I could hear it go off, but he only actually checked it a couple of times. Once after the front nine and once while we were waiting for the next group at a hole. I found his cell phone use non obtrusive through the whole day.

[Carlton]

If someone's wife or hubby is in a situation where they may have health related issues ie pregnant etc. then I can understand that. If everyone is sound and able bodied, are we so paranoid that something is going to happen that you can't afford to be away from a phone for 2hrs at a time?

What did we do in the 70's without cell phones?

[landlord]

What did we do in the 70's without cell phones?
I think we drove home and found them dead. :eek:

Not funny, I know. As usual, though, technology has its own inertia, beyond the actual function. Kind of like whittlin' just to make the stick smaller. You take the good with the bad.

Also as usual, it takes etiquette a while to catch up.

[thekathrynorchard]

I think goshawk's pont re: reminding people politely is an excellent one. Should you see a cellphone, whether they are a stranger or not, I think it's completely within bounds and not rude at all to ask if it in on vibrate. Such an obvious solution to at least part of the problem.

[dekker]

I can understand those of you whose jobs are very dependent on the use of a cellphone.Truth is that many of us aren't and that its use is a matter of convenience.

I played one of my favourite courses with a real estate rep. who proceeded to take calls during our game.His ringtone was Beethoven's 5th.After the second call he put it on vibrate.
We were teamed with two members who eventually left us in disgust after he took a business call that lasted 1 entire hole during which he would walk and swat at his ball one handed.( 2 million dollar deal he said).I walked off after nine with some lame excuse about having to get back to walk my dog.

[goshawk]

I can understand those of you whose jobs are very dependent on the use of a cellphone.Truth is that many of us aren't and that its use is a matter of convenience.

I played one of my favourite courses with a real estate rep. who proceeded to take calls during our game.His ringtone was Beethoven's 5th.After the second call he put it on vibrate.
We were teamed with two members who eventually left us in disgust after he took a business call that lasted 1 entire hole during which he would walk and swat at his ball one handed.( 2 million dollar deal he said).I walked off after nine with some lame excuse about having to get back to walk my dog.
That would have been a wonderful opportunity to have it on vibrate from the start, then if you HAVE to take that call do so away from everyone else and pick up the ball. In his case, I feel it was also a perfect opportunity to make a decision.....do I play golf or do I work. PICK ONE!!

[ForeontheFloor]

this should sum things up

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=7757678914975958077&q=golf

[Golfbum]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: That was hillarious :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: That old Wilson Whale Driver did a good job on that cell phone :D :D Aren't those the guys from the Pinnacle Commercial?

[Haps]

If someone's wife or hubby is in a situation where they may have health related issues ie pregnant etc. then I can understand that. If everyone is sound and able bodied, are we so paranoid that something is going to happen that you can't afford to be away from a phone for 2hrs at a time?

What did we do in the 70's without cell phones?

It's not that I can't afford to be away from the cellphone for 2hrs. The question is why should I have to if I use it discretely and politely. There is a big difference between bad cell phone users anywhere(golf course restaurants etc) and good users. I think it's ridiculous to blanket statement "No cell phones on the course".

[Phnert]

some people are caught up in their own self importance...i ALWAYS leave my phone ON, but its in my car...and when i finish my round i check if there are any missed calls...sorry but for 4.5 hours they can wait for u to return the call...i dont care what u do for a living

[goshawk]

but for 4.5 hours they can wait for u to return the call...i dont care what u do for a living

It's not that I feel like I'm "important", but I do utilize my phone for my business. As an instructor, I've taken calls on the course from students, but always away from my playing partners. My phone is on vibrate, and they don't even know I'm on the phone until they see me 20 yards away next to a tree or something. My phone calls disturb no one but me, guaranteed.

[ForeontheFloor]

[quote=Phnertsorry but for 4.5 hours they can wait for u to return the call...i dont care what u do for a living[/quote]

Really…. I am a cardiac surgeon. Phnert don't call me if your ticker stops I will call you:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Cybergolfer]

Really…. I am a cardiac surgeon. Phnert don't call me if your ticker stops I will call you:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

They wear pagers

[ForeontheFloor]

They wear pagers
same thing
Do they still make pagers???

[Ben Hogans]

replaced with blackberries...for the doctors I know.

[ak108]

Some people have to keep their phones on all the time, like myself. I think thats fine as long as its on silent mode and make phone conversations quick. I hate it when playing partners talk on the phone too long, making others wait too long for them to finish talking and taking their shot.

[Balhar]

i put my cell in my bag and turn it on vibrate, i'll check for missed calls when i'm done golfing