EarthGolf

Believe it or not, but mobile phones have not been banned at the Open Championship - until this year.

During last year’s Open at Hoylake, Tiger Woods complained about their use on the final day. “It wasn’t the professional photographers, it was the gallery,” reported the champion. “Cameras or camera phones kept going off while we were over the shot or preparing to hit the shot or even hitting the shot. It was very, very frustrating for Sergio [Garcia] and me.”

They’re going to institute a gate search with a total of 200 people to man all the entrances - something tells me that isn’t going to be enough.

Also, the R&A says it will not issue a special exemption to Jean Van de Velde.

“If anyone deserved an invitation to an Open Championship at Carnoustie it would be him,” conceded [Peter] Dawson.

…

“This is the Open Championship and people earn their way in through exemption or qualification, and while it is emotionally tempting in Jean’s case I’m afraid it won’t happen.”

Meanwhile, Van de Velde hasn’t taken kindly to the date or location of the qualifier for this year’s Open Championship which takes place near London and follows the final day of the French Open.

“Why can’t the qualifier be held at Chantilly or any of the courses near Le Golf National? Or held in a different week?” Van de Velde asked. “I know the schedule is tight, but who does the thinking?

…

“I’m not just saying this for my benefit. I’m trying to serve the Tour as best as I can. I’m one of the players’ representatives - people should not forget that. Some people see me with some minuses, but there are some plusses too.”

Uh, Jean, don’t worry, people have not forgotten you - and I don’t think the attempt at big timing the European Tour is going to help much.

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