"Wanted to clarify some questions regarding social media and fans at The Presidents Cup."
I think we have two separate disputes here that the Australian press may be lumping into one. It's a conflict the U.S. golf media has been grappling with as the PGA Tour's regulations appear dated while the world passes by something a legal team cooked up in 2006.
I'm sure all of this is tedious to most of you, so just scroll on by.
But for tour officials, players and media this is a topic of importance as social media usage expands and sports see great benefits from the usage of things like Twitter and Facebook.
First, we have the Australian press corps reading their regulations and realizing they would not be able to do some things that they normally would be able to do in covering an event.
And then we have what appears to be a misunderstanding (or perhaps a little sensationalizing) about how this would impact spectators, with fairly sensational claims that men in plain Oxford shirts would be monitoring every key tapped from Royal Melbourne.
The PGA Tour has offered this clarification on their Facebook page:
Wanted to clarify some questions regarding social media and fans at The Presidents Cup. As they do at other PGA TOUR events, fans will be able to post to social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and foursquare from the course. Our mobile phone policy prohibits photography during competition (Thursday-Sunday), video captures and detailed “play-by-play” postings, but there will be opportunities for things like this in the Social Media Fan Hub in Interactive Village.
We'll also be holding 'hide and tweet' giveaways at Royal Melbourne and a Wednesday fan meetup, and are very excited about having fans like you participate on the course and from all around the world.
Just as long as you don't post a photo. Videos will get you a deep tissue massage from a Steve Williams lookalike.
Additionally, make sure to stay connected with us here on Facebook and Twitter (http://twitter.com/PresidentsCup) for exclusive behind the scenes coverage during Presidents Cup, interact with the team members, and chances to win prizes. Also, you can bookmark http://presidentscup.com from your smart phone for live scoring and social updates through the matches.
If you have any questions or suggestions for what you want to see from us social media, please post them here so we can respond.
"Here" would be the Facebook page.
What remains to be seen: what happens if the Aussie press and fans, used to more liberal usage of social media at sporting events, ignore their regulations.
And here I thought the Stevie-Tiger reunion would be the highlight of the week!
Friday, November 4, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Reader Comments (6)
Barf.
As much as I'd like to see that style of coverage, unless the fans onsite are willing to allow their photos/videos to become property of the broadcaster (perhaps used on the main website/FB page under "fan vids" or something similar), then they shouldn't be allowed to take photos and videos during the event.
-LK