PGA Tour warns players about cellphone sounds before Asian dates

The PGA Tour reminded players about South Korea's and Japan's cellphone regulations Wednesday ahead of the circuit's tournaments in those countries, according to Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard.

Restrictions on manufacturers in both host nations increase the likelihood of cellphone sounds interrupting play.

"It is illegal in South Korea and Japan for any mobile phone manufacturer to sell a phone that allows the user to silence the faux shutter sound on their mobile phone camera," the statement to the players read.

The memo came one day after Bio Kim received a three-year suspension from the Korean Tour for giving a fan the middle finger after hearing a camera shutter in the crowd.

The CJ Cup in South Korea starts Oct. 17 with the Zozo Championship in Japan the week following.

The PGA Tour added that marshals at both events "will instruct spectators not to distract players on the tee boxes, in the landing areas, and around the greens by taking pictures during a swing" in an attempt to avoid any interruptions.