Was I in the wrong here ?

[Yrrah09]

Playing round my local today (a nice semi-private course) and throughout the round I was using an application on my phone which records scores, distances and time. All works really well (thoroughly recommended, the apps called 'Golf GPS' ). Reaching about the 5th hole over the horizon I see the junior pro shop worker approach me and tell me to stop using my mobile phone on the course as its bad etiquette. I explained I was using it as a GPS tracker. Effectively the exact same as a NavMan or SkyCaddy. He ignored that and said mobile phones were banned. I didn't think much of it and continued my round, along with my phone and application. As i approach the last tee I see another buggy come over the horizon. This time the club secretary. He tells me that mobile phone use is prohibited. I explain the situation and he is understanding but still kicks up a fuss. All in all I ended the day in a bad mood as if I'd been in the wrong.

I'm completely agains phones on the course. Nothing worse than when you can hear someone heckling from a fairway away. But this was just ridiculous! What do you guys think ?

 

[macca64]

Using it as you said, no problem at all.

 

[lyden]

So now were expected to cut all contact with the world for the 5 hours it takes to play a round these days. As long as it on silent and people keep conversations brief I have no problem with them at all.

 

[Slab]

Unless you were 10 feet from the horizon you mention I don't understand how the Sec was able to tell what you were doing/using from distance?
(maybe he just welcomes all groups onto the last fairway)

 

[Foxholer]

Good to see the stupid old attitudes are still alive and well! :rofl:

Provided you have your actual phone on silent and aren't taking/making calls (so not actually 'using a mobile phone')...
Complete waste of their time imo. Suggest that checking all the bunkers have been raked properly and pitch-marks have been repaired would be better use of it.

Name and shame so we can avoid this bunch of luddites?

 

[Wayman]

Was it in a comp?

 

[upsidedown]

Presuming you weren't in a comp if I've read your post right , no problem with it at all.

However in a comp think all phones should stay in the bag .

 

[duncan mackie]

interestingly in this case I would have taken advantage of the R&A ruling that a multifunction device (such as a smartphone) used as a DMD is a DMD, not a phone, under the rules.

then ducked

now, if the course doesn't permit the use of DMDs then fine, otherwise watch the Sec struggle to compute ....

onviously you wouldn't use it in a competition, but for once the rules are on your side!

 

[pbrown7582]

A bit of an over reaction I think really no reason to have the assistant and sec out giving tickings off for using a mobile in this way. If you were only using as you state how did anyone know it's wasn't a GPS? Sounds like someone has 'phoned' the pro shop! :lol:

 

[freddielong]

So you decide what goes on at your club do, this is a perfect example of what is wrong in the world you know best despite the people who run the club telling you otherwise

You were 100% in the wrong in my eyes

 

[TriggerTech]

You animal

 

[garyinderry]

where I come from in Ireland we are a little more relaxed than others. mobile phone use is perfectly fine as long as you respect those around you.

taking half an hour phone calls is just bad manners. no one will bat an eye lid if you ring HID and tell her your staying out for another 9. :thup:

 

[Imurg]

If it's a Club Rule, along the lines of You cannot change your shoes in the car park, then they're well within their rights to make you abide by it.
Right, wrong, stupid or otherwise is a whole new thread by itself

 

[HomerJSimpson]

So you decide what goes on at your club do, this is a perfect example of what is wrong in the world you know best despite the people who run the club telling you otherwise

You were 100% in the wrong in my eyes

Sorry but I feel this is OTT unless meant in jest (doesn't read that way) and I agree with others. If he hasn't got the phone pinged to his ear but is in the palm of his hand taking a yardage and recording a score how is that different to having a sky caddy. Just because the device is a mobile and not a purpose built gizmo where is the difference and unless there is something clearly stating DMD's aren't allowed how was the OP suppose to know and how did the assistant and secretary know

 

[rosecott]

unless there is something clearly stating DMD's aren't allowed

That's the wrong way round, there has to be a local rule to say they are allowed. This is an example of the tizzy some clubs have created for themselves with all the controversy over DMDs and smartphone apps. They have decided that the only solution is to ban mobile phones on the course except for emergencies. Right solution? No answer from me.

 

[dufferman]

Ridiculous. Yet another reason this game isn't seeing the newcomers it needs. I bet those 2 gents will be the first to complain when memberships are down next year if they treat everyone like this!

As said previously, maybe they should spend their time raking bunkers & repairing pitch marks rather than chasing paying customers?

Out of interest... Where does the 'changing your shoes in the car park' thing come from?

 

[Imurg]

Out of interest... Where does the 'changing your shoes in the car park' thing come from?

Some clubs have some, on tbe face of it, daft rules like not being allowed to change your shoes in the car park, no women, no phones etc etc.
The rights or wrongs of these rules is, as I said, fuel for whole thread. The OP was asked by "Officers" of the club to not use a phone on the course. If that is one of the club rules then its a rule, like it or not. Along with dress codes, you should abide by any club rule, if you don't like the rule then lobby to get it changed or play somewhere else

 

[Rooter]

Out of interest... Where does the 'changing your shoes in the car park' thing come from?

Poor people do that, us upper class lot go to the changing rooms and Jeeves changes my shoes while i am being pleasured by a leggy swedish blonde bird with enormous....

 

[dufferman]

So... If you change your shoes in the car park... Do they throw you out the place? Cos you're already outside...??

 

[Imurg]

In theory they can escort you from the premises...
Augusta will eject you if you run during Masters week....
Same meat different gravy.