Mobile Phones and SCGA Events

Multi-functional devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, etc (i.e., devices that are primarily communication devices, but which may have other potential uses) may be used as follows:

  • Using the device to check voicemails, emails, text messages and the internet provided in doing so does not unduly delay play or slow the pace of play to you or your group. The device should only be used to make phone calls in emergency or family related situations. 
  • Using the device to access information on advice-related matters that was produced prior to the start of the player’s round (e.g., an electronic yardage book, swing tips).
  • Using the device to access (but not interpret or process) playing information from previous rounds (e.g., driving distances, individual club yardages, etc).
  • Using the device to obtain information related to the competition being played (e.g., the leader board or projected "cut").
  • A distance-measuring application may be used, provided the specific application is restricted to “distance only” and the device does not have any other “non-conforming” features (such as a compass application on the phone). This is the case even if these other features are not being used.

Examples of uses of multi-functional devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, etc during a stipulated round that are a breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, include:

A distance-measuring application is used and the device has other “non-conforming” features such as a compass application on the phone (even if these other features are not being used).

  • Using the device (e.g., a television or radio) to watch or listen to a broadcast of the competition being played.
  • Using the device to ask for or give advice in breach of Rule 8-1 (e.g., calling a swing coach).
  • Using the device to access information on advice-related matters that was not produced prior to the start of his round (e.g., analysis of strokes made during that round).
  • Using the device to interpret or process any playing information obtained from current or previous rounds (e.g., driving distances, individual club yardages, etc) or to assist in calculating the effective distance between two points (i.e., distance after considering gradient, wind speed and/or direction, temperature or other environmental factors).