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Ryder Cup bans social media

Cape Town - The organisers of the Ryder Cup have introduced a ban on uploading photographs to the internet via social media during the event at Gleneagles.

Read: Watson picks US wildcards

No audio or video capture is permitted at all during the six-day event as the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) and the PGA European Tour want to make sure their image is intact, and players are not distracted.

Anyone contravening the lengthy list of regulations will have their mobile device or camera confiscated for the duration of the day according to the Telegraph.

Nearly a quarter of a million spectators are expected to line the fairways at Gleneagles, from September 26 to September 28, to witness the clash between Europe and the United States. The ground regulations warn ticketholders, who have paid up to £1,500 a day, that no audio or video capture is permitted and no still photography except on practice days.

“Images taken with a camera, mobile phone or other electronic device cannot be used for any purpose other than for private and domestic purposes. You must not sell, license, publish (including, without limitation, via Twitter or Facebook or any other social media site) or otherwise commercially exploit photographs.” state the tournament rules.

Mobile phones must be in silent mode at all times and fans can only make calls in designated areas.

“The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s most recognised sporting events and as such we need to ensure that the brand, encompassing fair play, teamwork and camaraderie is protected at all times which means ensuring that images of the event are not used for monetary gain in a manner which may go against those principles." said a tournament spokesperson.

“The taking of pictures during high pressure sporting events has also been shown to have an adverse effect on players, with shutter sounds and bright flashes proving to be a distraction at critical moments. It is not fair to compromise the sporting occasion for either the players or those spectating.”

Other prohibitions include a ban on autographs, running, personal mobility scooters and children under five.

Watch out Rory! No selfies allowed!

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