Mind Over Sports

I checked the internet on this and found that yes, indeed, PGA golfers are allowed to check their incoming e-mails and, according to Carter Rich, equipment standards manager for the USGA: “It’s fine to call your family and let them know you’ll be late for dinner. But calling your coach for swing tips is of course not permitted under the Rules of Golf.” So if you’re Tiger Woods and you get a nasty incoming call from your ex-wife, even if you don’t answer it, the mere fact she is calling you can negatively affect your focus. But it can also have the opposite effect. If you’re Phil Mickelson and you get an e-mail or incoming call from your loving wife, Amy, telling you she’s preparing (metaphorically speaking) a huge delicious steak for dinner, and you love steak, that could have a positive effect. So my suggestion is: Ban all cell phones and I-phones on the course during the PGA tour, and this would apply to the fans as well as the players. Distracting phones have no place on the golf course during competition.  And they definitely shouldn’t be used to enhance performance.