PGA Tour not changing its cell phone policy

• By Ryan Ballengee
• Jun 7, 2012 12:46 PM ET

Phil Mickelson was so miffed by the lack of enforcement of the PGA Tour's mobile device policy in the first round of last week's Memorial Tournament that he texted commissioner Tim Finchem from the sixth fairway at Muirfield Village GC.

Mickelson's on-course message and his ensuing withdrawal from the tournament after shooting 7-over 79 resulted in more stout enforcement of the policy for the remainder of the week. Going forward, however, the Tour will not change its policy allowing fans to bring mobile devices to their events.

“We’re committed to making it work,” Finchem said, according to Bloomberg News Service. “If we get to a point where we don’t have an acceptable competitive environment, we’ll do whatever we need to do, but I don’t see that happening.”

The PGA Tour began allowing mobile devices at events in 2011, but with restrictions. Phones are to be on vibrate or silent while on tournament grounds. Devices are to be used away from the rope line, in designated areas. Pictures are not to be taken during tournament days. Shooting video is always prohibited.

Most fans comply with the policy, Finchem said. Offending fans, however, need to follow suit to avoid negatively impacting fans, players and volunteers.

“It is incumbent upon the fans to help us out here so we can maintain this policy and make the experience very positive,” he said. “Being able to keep their phones with them is part of that.”