The European Tour has reminded all players they will be staring at disciplinary action for any ‘offensive, threatening, disparaging, hurtful or otherwise’ remarks appearing on any of the social media sites.
This action follows remarks made my England’s James Morrison during the recent Wales Open when he went onto ‘Twitter’ to describe the Celtic Manor course and host to the Wales Open as a ‘Dump’ and ‘One more round and then can’t get over that bridge quick enough!’
Marcus Fraser wasn't smiling after being hit hard in the hip pocket for his comments on 'Facebook;'. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
And while the 27-year old Morrison later apologised for his comments, he was informed by the Tour he would be fined for his remarks.
The Tour, in a memorandum posted on a notice board at this week’s BMW International Open in Germany, has reminded Tour members that any comments or statements made on blogs or social networking websites (including Twitter and Facebook) are generally considered as being made in the public domain and will be deemed as such in determining disciplinary action and or fining.
And while the Tour states the remarks will be in breach of the Tour’s ‘Code of Conduct’, the memorandum reminds players they could also face civil action by ‘any other parties who legal rights are affected by such comments.
The Tour has asked all players to act in the best interests of the Tour and describing the Tour as ‘your business and livelihood’.
As well, the Tour indicated it a responsibility of every member to ensure they act in the best interests of the Tour, the game of golf and within the laws of the time when using social networking websites and the internet generally.
It is not known how many players have been the subject of disciplinary action.
Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who shares the opening first round lead in BMW International Open after a first round 64, was slapped with one of the largest fines in the history of the Tour following his outburst on ‘Facebook’.
Fraser went on line during last August’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles after having played the opening two Scottish rounds in the company of Argentina’s Rafa Echenique.
He had witnessed Echenique use his mobile phone on the 16th tee in round two to rearrange a flight, and just ahead of a 78 and missing the cut with a seven-over par tally.
But while Echenique is entitled to use his phone other than for instruction, Fraser used ‘Facebook’ to express his disapproval at Echenique’s actions.
However the European Tour didn’t take too kindly to Fraser’s alleged tirade of four letter words directed at the quitely-spoken Argentinean.
The Australian immediately withdrew the comments from his Facebook page but not before he was advised he would be fined for his remarks, and those remarks are believed to have cost the double Tour winner £10,000.
