24 Apr 2012

Open fans can use their phones

10:09 am on 24 April 2012

Spectators will be able to use mobile phones at this year's British Open golf championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes after organisers announced they were relaxing a ban they put in place in 2006.

Tournament organisers are particularly sensitive to phones ringing while players play their shots, leading the governing Royal & Ancient to introduce a complete ban at The Open.

However, because of the growth of smart phones and the golfing apps that go with them, it has relented.

Fans will be able to carry their phones with them on the course, although calls will have to be made in designated areas.