Cell Phones Allowed At PGA Tour Events

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (CBS/AP) -- Golf fans now can bring cell phones to PGA Tour events, just not at the Northern Trust Open this weekend at Riviera Country Club.

The tour has allowed mobile devices at five tournaments the last six months. The tour wanted to see if players would be disturbed, and it was found to be no problem.

Starting with the Honda Classic, fans will have select areas to use phones, which must be kept on silent.

At the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, designated areas were set up to make calls. Some could step away from the ropes to check emails and text messages.

Spectators cannot take photos of players. Some fans at Torrey Pines had phones taken away and were
given claim checks.

The policy affects only PGA Tour events -- not the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open or PGA Championship.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)