Columnist Peter Benton: Ban cell phones on the golf course

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001 | 10 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Some years ago, I wrote a column regarding the use of cell phones and the impact they have on the golf course. Believe me, the impact of cell phones on a golf course is not good.

This problem is now of epidemic proportions, and unless something is done -- and soon -- I can foresee that rules will be passed that will outlaw these annoyances, except to those professional people who truly require them.

By professional, I certainly do not include salesmen, clerks, tradesmen, etc. I am referring to the likes of doctors who have the lives of people in their hands.

Here's what happens locally:

Before teeing off, lots of "very important people" bustle about, talking, putting, swinging at an imaginary ball, etc., and invariably all have a cell phone at their ear or on their belt. Gosh, I even saw one fellow, obviously far "more important" than anyone else, with two cell phones plus a pager strapped to his waist like some old-time cowboy toting his trusty sidearms.

Honestly, if you have four like the above, go out for a round together. You can guarantee that even if it is just for their own inflated ego, one or possibly all of them will draw their wretched phones from their holsters to prove exactly how truly important they really are -- even if it is only in their own minds.

I am beginning to think that there should be a rule that bans cell phones from all courses.

Who wants to be facing a pressure-packed six-footer to win all the marbles in your weekly outing, only to hear one of those dreaded phones start beeping. Or how about at the top of your backswing?

You do not see professionals pulling out cell phones between shots or while waiting to tee off. Mind you, the operative word here is professional -- they are out to play golf and are fully cognizant of the rules, and just as important, the etiquette of the game.

It is not at all unusual to see golfers who have been called to the first tee immediately take out their phones and start nattering away, completely oblivious that they are not just holding up their playing companions, but all following players as well.

Unless these actions are curbed, the slow play we are experiencing now could become catastrophic.

We have been playing this wonderful game for a very long time without such technology intruding on our game.

I am all for moving forward with course design, maintenance, equipment, management and professional teaching skills. But for goodness sake, let's keep the environment of the open spaces that golf offers free from cell phones.