Distractions at Omega Hills.

[MKPKR]

For a few weeks now i have been watching what i consider to be "European Tour Golf" on the Golf Channel. I know the tournaments haven't been in Europe with the Aussie Masters, Dubia, and this one is in China. It's just the way it's announced and broadcast on TV.

My problem with these tournaments is the galleries. I know here in the states there is the "Get in the hole" guy and the people yelling Tiger constantly, but these people and the cameras are out of control. Why can't the organizers of these tournies get this under control. The players are constantly complaining about on the course.

At Quail Hollow everyone is wanned with a metal detector at the entrance and they even have a camera/cell phone storage area where they'll keep it for you while you are in the tournament. I went to the Masters a few years ago and think they might even pat you down there.

Im not saying that pro's should always have absolutely perfect conditions and no distractions. After all, golf is a spectator sport, but I'm getting tired of the camera shutters too. And especially tired of no one doing anything about it.

[Shorty]

Why can't the organizers of these tournies get this under control. The players are constantly complaining about on the course.

Because golf is a relatively new sport in China and the galleries aren't experienced, nor are the photographers.

The organisers and officials have to toe a fine line between meeting players' expectations and not turning galleries off and making it seem like they can't move or talk. You'll find that it's only a very small percentage of people that can't behave, and some of them don't even realise they're in the wrong. Problem with phones is that they are now cameras. You can have a rule that says "No Cameras", but try taking people's phones off them and see what happens. You have to be able to enforce rules. I Australia, Tiger said that the Australian galleries are much more knowledgeable about golf than the U.S., but there is always the odd idiot there with camera at the wrong time. Guys like Poulter just want to complain and use cameras as an excuse.

[MKPKR]

Because golf is a relatively new sport in China and the galleries aren't experienced, nor are the photographers.

This do this at everyone touranment in the states. Don't really appear to have a problem drawing a gallery. I'm just saying that it has seemed a little excessive the last few weeks when the tournaments have been out of the country.

[Quinn07]

This do this at everyone touranment in the states. Don't really appear to have a problem drawing a gallery. I'm just saying that it has seemed a little excessive the last few weeks when the tournaments have been out of the country.

When you are trying to get fans out to a relatively new sport in a region like China you want to make sure that you attract as many people as you can. Golf in China has been for the most part a rich person sport. If you are trying to attract a fan base that that isn't use to attending events like that you are going to have people who do not know what the etiquette is at the events. You certainly do not want to give them the impression that it's going to be boring. Perhaps eliminating cell phones and such provides that perception.

The use of cellphones in that part of the world is not as new as it is here and much more utilized there. Our Cell phone coverage and usage is relatively laughable compared to over there.