Mobile phones will be banned from the Old Course in St Andrews at next month’s Open Championship, according to the R&A.
Spectators bound for the tournament, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, will be searched at the gates by guards to ensure players are not distracted by ringtones and camera flashes.
It is not the first time such a ban has been put in place over the four-day event but it is the first time it has been enforced at the Open in St Andrews.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, assistant director championships at the R&A, told The Courier the phone ban is also for security reasons.
“In 2006 there were a lot of player complaints about photos being taken.
“Following comments from players the decision was taken by us not to permit mobile phones.
“We started that at Carnoustie and have done that since. The vast majority of the public support that and understand the reason.
“The search does, as a consequence, enhance the safety of the public, players and contractors etc,” he said.
All seized mobile phones will be returned to the owner when they leave the course.
“The policy has been a great success for us and is widely supported by the public who realise why we are doing it. We hope to continue doing it for some time to come.
“Most people realise that for major sporting events they should leave their phones at home,” Mr Cole-Hamilton said.
Those buying tickets online or through the box office will receive a leaflet explaining the ban.
Around 200,000 visitors are expected to converge on St Andrews when the Open returns on July 15.
The town is in line for a financial windfall on the back of the tournament, with over £70 million expected to be injected into the local economy during the event.