PGA Tour News: Are Professionals Allowed to Drink During Tournaments?

Dark and gloomy weather, coupled with drunk fans and many arrests made! Sounds familiar? Well, these have been the highlights of the 2024 WM Phoenix Open. The third day at TPC Scottsdale was one of the craziest that has ever been witnessed. While the 16th hole saw around 200,000 audiences at one point, amidst the mayhem, the PGA Tour had to take a step to do some damage control!

Many crazy moments were happening under the influence of alcohol. As a result, the decision was made to stop selling alcohol. Although fans enjoyed the event to the fullest, thanks to the drinks! Are the PGA Tour pros allowed to consume some while competing and join in on the celebrations?

Stringent alcohol consumption policy may cost a pro his Tour membership

Golf is one of the most traditional sports in the world. While it has been upgraded a lot in the last decade, the rules around alcohol and smoking still seem to be strict. However, there are many legends like John Daly who may have broken those rules at times.

As per the 2022–23 PGA Tour Player Handbook and Tournament Regulation, players are prohibited from drinking during tournaments. The policy reads that any member found to be “consuming an alcoholic beverage during any practice round or tournament round (whether a pro-am round or a tournament competition round), on the practice tee or putting green” will be penalized. The action may also cost a pro his membership.

However, the PGA Tour allows moderate consumption of alcohol after the rounds have concluded or during any social functions of the Tour, though unprofessional behavior may risk the pros’ PGA Tour card. Other than these rules, golfers are also advised to have proper conduct under the influence of alcohol in any public space, at the courses, or any other place.

The investigation of any incident and the judgment will be taken by the commissioner of the PGA Tour, Jay Monahan, based on appropriate evidence. The players are allowed to have fun, though certain things are restricted from the course as the events are seen by a wide range of audiences and can have a bad influence on them. With strict rules about alcohol consumption, there is another rule related to using mobile phones that pros have to follow at all times while they are on the greens.

Are PGA Tour pros allowed to use mobile phones while competing?

According to the rule book, the PGA Tour pros can use their mobile phones two times: during the practice rounds and in designated areas during any Pro-Am. As per the policies, at practice rounds, the device should vibrate or be silent. The idea behind the rule is that cell phones should not cause any hindrance to other golfers.

Read More: Sloppy Drunkenness’: Golf World Reacts As Weird WM Phoenix Open Fan Moment Goes Viral

Whereas while playing in the Pro-Am tournament, mobiles should only be used in certain areas for calls and on the golf course for making content. But when it comes to competitive rounds, players are not allowed to use phones and are strictly prohibited. The rule book states that it can be used in some areas to make content or for calling, though suitable conduct should be followed.

Do you think the rules are appropriate or a little over the top that are being applied by the PGA Tour? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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