USGA Ends U.S. Open Cell Phone Restriction

With fans able to bring their cell phones to the U.S. Open tournament days, the Masters is now the only event remaining where fans must leave devices behind.

Jack Broom of the Seattle Times reports on the change in policy and the long shuttle rides fans can expect for June's U.S. Open at Chambers Bay.

Mobile devices are to be less than seven inches long and must be kept silent, with calls made only at designated locations on the course. Texting and e-mailing will be allowed from anywhere on the course as long as play is not disrupted.

No photography will be permitted during the Thursday-Sunday tournament, but cameras and still photographs will be allowed during the Monday-Wednesday practice rounds.

The phone policy, more in keeping with the rules at PGA Tour events and other USGA tournaments, replaces a mobile-phone ban at previous U.S. Opens.