Last Updated on April 2, 2022 by
Yes, Most PGA tournaments allow patrons to smoke. For example, spectators at the AT&T National can smoke cigarettes and cigars but cannot use any vaping paraphernalia such as e-cigarettes or nicotine vaporizers.
Golf is a great sport to watch, with its tradition and history. Going to watch a golf tournament can allow you to get up close and personal to players that you would rarely be able to see in any other major sporting event in the world. In line with this tradition, PGA events either allow smoking on the course or have their own established policy regarding when it can happen. These policies are not only established for the health of spectators but also for the safety of all those present at events.
Make the most of the time you have by bringing more than plenty of snacks and water with you to the event. If it’s your first time attending a particular event, it probably won’t take long before your taste buds are confused as they are inundated with so many different tastes all at once. That will inevitably left you wanting to try vegetables that you may not have eaten in some time; however, this can be easily remedied by staying hydrated and bringing a couple liters of water or sports drink with you to consume while watching events. We highly recommend managing your expectations from start to finish, especially if the weather out is not ideal for everyone who plans on being there.
Smoking Etiquette at PGA Events
PGA tournaments are all-day events for spectators and spectators often arrive in the morning and stay until close at night. Many gates are open for 12+ hours, making it easy to forget that you aren’t allowed to smoke while on the premises of a PGA tournament by just taking into account those measurements of time. So with that being said, again there is no policy against smoking on the course at a PGA tournament but if you are concerned about how others may think of you should they see you participating in this prohibited activity, perhaps keeping it at least to yourself while inside any gates would be optimal so as not embarrass or give individuals the impression that smoking is permitted anywhere other than designated areas on this licensed property.
Smoking indoors is actually prohibited, so please don’t break the rules. This particular flight will be filled with children, young and old alike as well as fellow passengers who will not appreciate cigarette smoke in such tight quarters. So while many airlines maintain that they do not prohibit smoking on flights, you might want to abide by this rule of thumb: if there are other people around, then it’s best to wait until you’re alone before pulling out a bottle or packet.
Although smoking is not forbidden at PGA events, the PGA does reserve the right to keep anyone who is acting in a manner that might be considered abusive, derogatory, rude or aggressive from attending its events. We don’t expect you would encounter issues for choosing to smoke during a PGA tournament but just to be safe and courteous of your fellow players, if you do choose to do so, stick around close by where it can be seen and make sure you’re being mindful of those around you.
Can You Bring a Cigar Cutter To PGA Events?
Yes, you can go ahead and bring a cigar cutter with you. Both cigar cutters and cigarette lighters are not listed on the PGA’s prohibited items list so there should be no problem with carrying them around. If you would like to smoke cigars while attending a tournament, feel free to contact the event directly to confirm whether or not they allow smoking within their venue.
Can You Leave PGA Tournaments to Smoke?
When entering a PGA event, you are not allowed to leave and then regain admission. That’s the policy of PGA. If you are wanting to smoke, there are designated areas around the course that are earmarked specifically for smoking rather than consuming tobacco products or any substances that do not pertain to golfing in the traditional sense.
Do PGA Golfers Smoke?
Yes, Smoking used to be a common thing to see on golf courses, mostly because of the PGA that partially existed in the 60s and 70s. Many players such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer would smoke while on the course. PGA even had an events called “Smoker’s Tour” during some years in the 1960s – 1970s. However, it has since been banned and almost only professionals participate in smoking on the field; usually those who are over age 50 years old.
Today, most golfers feel stressed out by sponsors who want them to quit smoking while on the course. Some golfers choose not to smoke for health reasons or to be an example for the younger players in their peer group. Many caddies smoke while on the course and major tournaments. In recent years, some of the most notable smokers on tour are John Daly and Miguel Angel Jimenez, but that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the highest ranked golfers in history.
Prohibited Items at PGA Events
Here are list of the items that are not allowed at PGA Events;
Bag
The best way to make sure you are able to take things into the golf event with you is by bringing along a clear plastic bag. If you are planning on traveling with anything important, small handbags can come along too. No big backpacks will be allowed once entering a PGA tournament and none of them will be allowed inside without being made clear.
Coolers/Alcohol
Are you thinking of bringing some alcoholic drinks with you to a PGA tournament? Well, all drinks including coolers are banned from being brought in.
Chairs
Chairs are not allowed to be oversized and cannot exceed the size of four square feet including the legs. Some venues do allow larger chairs, but if yours is too big you may need to remove it from its bag before you enter the tournament.
Cameras
Food photographers and videographers who are interested in capturing footage at PGA events must apply for media credentials ahead of time. Certain items, like DSLR cameras and Phantom 1+ drones, may or may not be allowed on the course grounds during practice rounds. Check with your event.
Final Words
We’ve come to the closing stage of this informative article. We hope you were able to get reliable resources in your quest to know if you’re allowed to make at PGA events.
