Thanks, AT&T. Golf Fans Can Now Use Phones @ Pebble Beach

For the first time in the history of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, attending fans will be able to use their mobile phones. The announcement was made by title sponsor, AT&T, today. Fans can learn more about the new telephone policy at attpbgolf.com.

"We're very excited to be part of the final test of the PGA TOUR's mobile device policy. For the first time, spectators can use their phones from the Pebble Beach golf courses during tournament play," said Gail Torreano, senior vice president, AT&T Corporate Sponsorships. "Now we're able to offer that and much, much more, giving fans a chance to see how the game and technology have really evolved."

As long as the smartphones stay on the silent or vibrate setting, mobile users can access the internet, send text messages, and download data across all three AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf courses. Attendees can make phone calls at designated areas on the course and will be able to charge their devices at free charging stations across all courses. This year marks AT&T's 26th as title sponsor of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, giving the company the second-longest continuous title sponsorship on the PGA TOUR. The tournament has seen some of golf's greatest players and attracted many of the most famous celebrities, sports stars and political personalities.

"Through the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and with the help the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, AT&T has helped raise more than $73 million in charitable giving in the past 26 years to aid organizations throughout the area," Torreano said. "We're proud to continue the tradition of giving while connecting fans to the action throughout the tournament."

AT&T Wi-Fi will be available for spectators to connect in designated areas including the AT&T Digital Clubhouse at the Triangle on Pebble Beach Golf Links. Fans can log on to AT&T Wi-Fi from their smartphones and other Wi-Fi enabled devices to enhance and share their tournament experience by checking leaderboard stats and updates, or posting on social networking sites. AT&T customers with qualifying AT&T smartphone, 3G LaptopConnect, and high speed Internet plans can also access AT&T Wi-Fi at no additional charge.

In August of 2010, the PGA TOUR and the Wyndham Championship conducted the first mobile device test, allowing spectators to carry mobile devices on the golf course with the volume setting on silent or vibrate.