Cameras at Golf Tournaments

[dugcross]

Does anyone know what restrictions golf tournaments have on cameras. I'm talking about the first few days when they DO allow cameras. I'm talking about the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in particular. I go to this every year but never went on any of the days cameras are allowed. I know stadiums all pretty much have the 6 inch rule but I have no clue on what restrictions golf courses have. I tried looking it up on their website but could not find anything. I would like to take my L glass but don't know if I can. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[canonnoob]

Does anyone know what restrictions golf tournaments have on cameras. I'm talking about the first few days when they DO allow cameras. I'm talking about the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in particular. I go to this every year but never went on any of the days cameras are allowed. I know stadiums all pretty much have the 6 inch rule but I have no clue on what restrictions golf courses have. I tried looking it up on their website but could not find anything. I would like to take my L glass but don't know if I can. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

youll probably be fine taking some L glass but not a super tele prime.. probably a 70-200 at most..

Now you probably know the whole "quiet during the backswing" so you need to keep that in mind while shooting. no shooting during the backswing.

[dugcross]

youll probably be fine taking some L glass but not a super tele prime.. probably a 70-200 at most..

Now you probably know the whole "quiet during the backswing" so you need to keep that in mind while shooting. no shooting during the backswing.

Well the one that I have is the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L. Do you think that would be ok? Yes I do know about the "quite on the backswing" but thanks for reminding me.

[canonnoob]

Well the one that I have is the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L. Do you think that would be ok? Yes I do know about the "quite on the backswing" but thanks for reminding me.

possibly.. the best thing you could do is contact the invitational PR

[lewkyle]

I went to one late last year all four days and they never let any cameras in, didnt matter how big or small, just sharing my experience! I brought mine the first day and had to lock it up in a locker because they wouldnt let me enter with it

[clarence]

Does anyone know what restrictions golf tournaments have on cameras. I'm talking about the first few days when they DO allow cameras. I'm talking about the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in particular.

I tried looking it up on their website but could not find anything.

http://www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com/GUIDE/security.aspx

The following information is provided to enhance your visit to the Arnold Palmer Invitational as well as to comply with the rules and regulations established by the PGA TOUR.

No cameras/video cameras permitted after Wednesday

All backpacks and packages larger than 6"X6" will not be permitted. This ban includes camera carry cases and chair carry bags. It is suggested and deemed acceptable that if any items need to be carried in a bag, a clear plastic bag or mesh bag be used where items inside can be seen. ALL other bags will be subject to search. Cameras are still permitted Monday through Wednesday but NOT permitted Thursday through Sunday.

[snyderman]

Practice rounds only is what I've heard and adhered to at Bridgestone Firestone tournament in Akron, OH. This means Tuesday & Wednesday only.

Good luck and post some shots!

dave

[dugcross]

http://www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com/GUIDE/security.aspx

Try reading my post first next time before you post! I already said I went to the web site and found nothing. I also already said I'm talking about the days they DO allow cameras. You haven't shown me anything that I already don't know. They allow cameras Monday thru Wednesday for the practice rounds only.

[Moonrocks]

I was at the Phoenix open 2/26/10 and I saw quite a few compact cameras Thursday, Friday. Security didn't seem able to stop the Cell phone/Compact camera's from getting in.
Now, I wished I ran outlaw and had my compact with me... just didn't want to get turned away. Saw a lot of big gear on the practice rounds. 600mm +

[dugcross]

Practice rounds only is what I've heard and adhered to at Bridgestone Firestone tournament in Akron, OH. This means Tuesday & Wednesday only.

Good luck and post some shots!

dave

Yes I do know it's practice rounds only but that's not the issue here. I'm just trying to find out what the camera restrictions are for the practice rounds. If I can get my L lens in I will post some shots.

[dugcross]

Well I emailed them directly so hopefully they can shed some light on this.

[canonnoob]

Well I emailed them directly so hopefully they can shed some light on this.

did you read this:

I was at the Phoenix open 2/26/10 and I saw quite a few compact cameras Thursday, Friday. Security didn't seem able to stop the Cell phone/Compact camera's from getting in.
Now, I wished I ran outlaw and had my compact with me... just didn't want to get turned away. Saw a lot of big gear on the practice rounds. 600mm +

[dugcross]

did you read this:

Yeah I did but I just want to make absolutely sure first. The reason being is that parking for this tournament is at the Universal Studios parking garage then you hop on a bus there and ride for about 5 miles to the tournament. I don't want to get there and find out it's not allowed and then have to hop back on the bus right back to the parking garage put my camera back into my truck and then hop back on the bus and ride back. If I could park at the tournament it wouldn't such a big deal.

[Roy Mathers]

I'm a little confused by some of the posts here - what difference does it make if the lens is an 'L' type or not?

[canonnoob]

I'm a little confused by some of the posts here - what difference does it make if the lens is an 'L' type or not?

well the L's are typically longer and the majority of them are in use by professionals, so in theory, the OP could use professional equipment to gain money even though he isnt working for media or the tour.. it is just like in any other type of sport.

[Roy Mathers]

So it's not the fact that they are 'L' at all - it's just that they are long! (The 24-105, for instance, isn't that long!)

[dugcross]

I'm a little confused by some of the posts here - what difference does it make if the lens is an 'L' type or not?

Yes, exactly what Dave said. That's why a majority of stadiums have the 6 inch rule. You can't bring a lens in that is longer than 6 inches just for that reason.

[canonnoob]

So it's not the fact that they are 'L' at all - it's just that they are long! (The 24-105, for instance, isn't that long!)

well in theory, say the 100-400.. it sticks out like a sore thumb compared to say the 85L mainly because it is White, and yes larger but many Ls stick out..

[gromeo]

Doug, I cover Bay Hill every year, last year was the first year I covered a practice rounds because of Ryo Ishikawa, I did see a couple of 100-400 and I think I actually saw a 300 2.8 (not media). The one suggestion I have is keep your camera bag in the car, I did her people say they did not get those in.
The nice thing about shooting practice rounds is that the atmosphere is more relaxed, even if you mess up and shoot during the back swing, you won't get the nasty look. And there are times a golfer may hit more then one ball from the same spot too 2 different areas of the green just to see how the ball reacts. Same thing on the green they may putt from several locations to see how the balls will break from different locations.
Also Bay Hill did alot of course renovations, here is a link describing the changes
http://www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com/content/news/2009/08/new_course_renovations_for_201.aspx

Have fun good shooting, I will be there starting that Thursday

[BenJohnson]

I went to the PGA Championship practice round last summer. They STRICTLY enforced the no bag, and no cell phone policy. It was a similar situation to the one you describe, where you are shuttled to the course from an off-site parking area (but the bus ride was much longer in my case). Luckily they did offer a "check in" area for anything that was denied entry at the gate (cell phone, bag, etc). Yes, they did use some kind of scanner to check for cell phones in pockets. Everyone got scanned. Nearly everyone then had to walk over to the check in area.

They did NOT have any restriction on lenses or camera gear that spectators could bring in. I had my 70-200 2.8 IS with 2x extender and a second body with the 17-55 2.8 IS (both bodies gripped), and had no problem getting in. You just have to remember: no bag, so wear some pants with pockets! A little cumbersome trying to get through the crowds with that much gear, but it wasn't too bad.

Of course, you'll be best off if you check ahead (like you are). I am sure each event is slightly different.

I went early and followed Tiger around. Took some advanced planning to get good spots for pictures (jump ahead several holes, and then wait), but I thought it was well worth it. I got some pictures that I really like. I do have to disagree about shooting in the backswing. In my case there were plenty of marshalls around to scold people who were shooting before impact. The big white lenses tend to attract extra attention. Good luck! Have fun.

Some of my shots:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=736390

http://benjohnson.smugmug.com/photos/616401838_MBpEv-L.jpg

[dugcross]

Doug, I cover Bay Hill every year, last year was the first year I covered a practice rounds because of Ryo Ishikawa, I did see a couple of 100-400 and I think I actually saw a 300 2.8 (not media). The one suggestion I have is keep your camera bag in the car, I did her people say they did not get those in.
The nice thing about shooting practice rounds is that the atmosphere is more relaxed, even if you mess up and shoot during the back swing, you won't get the nasty look. And there are times a golfer may hit more then one ball from the same spot too 2 different areas of the green just to see how the ball reacts. Same thing on the green they may putt from several locations to see how the balls will break from different locations.
Also Bay Hill did alot of course renovations, here is a link describing the changes
http://www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com/content/news/2009/08/new_course_renovations_for_201.aspx

Have fun good shooting, I will be there starting that Thursday

Thanks for the info. I have a a couple of friends who volunteer for the tournament every year and one of them gives me their weekly passes that they get for volunteering. I've gone the past 3 years but this will be my first during the practice rounds. I'm planning on going at least 2 days, one practice round day for shooting and then one during the actual tournament to actually just to watch and enjoy. I wasn't planning on going with my bag at all but I was also wondering if a monopod would be ok. They did tell me about the renovations also, looking forward to see those.

[dugcross]

I went to the PGA Championship practice round last summer. They STRICTLY enforced the no bag, and no cell phone policy. It was a similar situation to the one you describe, where you are shuttled to the course from an off-site parking area (but the bus ride was much longer in my case). Luckily they did offer a "check in" area for anything that was denied entry at the gate (cell phone, bag, etc). Yes, they did use some kind of scanner to check for cell phones in pockets. Everyone got scanned. Nearly everyone then had to walk over to the check in area.

They did NOT have any restriction on lenses or camera gear that spectators could bring in. I had my 70-200 2.8 IS with 2x extender and a second body with the 17-55 2.8 IS (both bodies gripped), and had no problem getting in. You just have to remember: no bag, so wear some pants with pockets! A little cumbersome trying to get through the crowds with that much gear, but it wasn't too bad.

Of course, you'll be best off if you check ahead (like you are). I am sure each event is slightly different.

I went early and followed Tiger around. Took some advanced planning to get good spots for pictures (jump ahead several holes, and then wait), but I thought it was well worth it. I got some pictures that I really like. I do have to disagree about shooting in the backswing. In my case there were plenty of marshalls around to scold people who were shooting before impact. The big white lenses tend to attract extra attention. Good luck! Have fun.

Some of my shots:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=736390




Thanks for the info. Yes I done alot of jumping ahead of holes to get good spots and yes it was worth it I agree.

[nicksan]

I took a 1DMKIII and 200L to the practice round at an LPGA event in NJ and it was fine. But not sure if the LPGA and PGA have the same security guidelines. No bags were allowed.

Maybe with Tiger out of the picture, security won't be as tight? ;)

[FlyingPhotog]

Maybe with Tiger out of the picture, security won't be as tight? ;)

Nor will it be as crowded...

[BenJohnson]

When I went, the gates opened at 7AM and I was ready and waiting (along with a couple thousand other people). By the time I got out there Tiger was at 6 or 7 already! He must have started before 6AM. This was the next day after he had won the Bridgestone! It was literally less than 12 hours after he won an event and he was on the next course starting his practice round.

I'd bet that 75% of the people were following Tiger, and only Tiger. Without him there, I would guess the practice rounds will be pretty open. I also remember hearing mention that the PGA Championship (that I was at) had better attendance at the practice rounds than some events have on Sunday! I only made it until the early afternoon the day I went, it was way too crowded!

[dugcross]

Just wanted to update everybody. I just got an email back from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and they said that they have no restrictions on the cameras and lens.

[dugcross]

Wow, just got another email from the tournament manager stating they have no camera limitations. So I guess I good to go.

[clickclickclick]

Sweet. I might have to go out there and test out my 400L.