There is no dearth of bizarre laws in golf. Obscure rules that even players are not well aware of – ask Morikawa about Model Local Rule G11. But rules for the audience? The 2023 PNC Championship has done just that. The tournament guidelines have strict orders for the audience – orders that will leave your mouth agape.
While every PGA Tour has some mandatory guidelines, the PNC Championship, a two-player scramble format tournament, outmatches them. So if you are planning to visit the Ritz Carlton Golf Club next week, know about these three rules beforehand, lest they ruin your experience later.
Three Bizarre Rules at the 2023 PNC Championship
Keep your cameras at home
You are not allowed to take pictures or record the proceedings of the event during the PNC Championship. So, take your camera out of your backpack before coming to the Ritz Carlton Golf Club.
And if you are thinking you can use your mobile let’s just clear the air. You can bring your cellphone to the course, but keep it silent, and don’t try to use your phone’s camera. It’s also prohibited. Before you ask, no, selfie sticks won’t be allowed either. You can only take pictures at the Pro-Am on Thursday and Friday, though. So, have you bought your ground pass? Because you can’t work your way through here with PGA Cards.
No special privilege to PGA Card holders
PNC Championship offers a limited number of seats to the audience. So, no special access to the course if you are already a PGA card holder. You need to buy your ground pass or the Champions Club pass before heading to the Orlando venue. The Grounds Access pass starts from $35 and the Champions pass comes at $375. However, PGA members have the option to reserve one complimentary grounds ticket. It should be noted that no tickets will be sold at the gate.
Don’t pester golfers for autographs
Put your thoughts on getting Tiger Woods’s autograph to rest. Asking PGA Tour pros for autographs is not allowed at the PNC Championship. The organizers request everyone to “leave all memorabilia including pin flags, photos, trading cards, balls and other sports paraphernalia at home as they will not be allowed through the gate.” Since the players appear with their parents/children, the organizers do not want to cause any trouble of fanfare that the Tour players might be used to, but their families do not.
The 2023 PNC Championship will tee off on December 14. Past winners, Justin Thomas, John Daly, and Vijay Singh have confirmed their participation in the parent/child tournament. Tiger Woods, too, will be present with Charlie Woods in what will be their fifth outing.
