European Tour Warn Golfers of ‘offensive’ Tweets

The European Tour has reminded players that they face disciplinary action for breaching social media rules after James Morrison of England recently criticized the Wales Open in an online post.

The European Tour says sanctions will apply for any “offensive, threatening, disparaging, hurtful or otherwise” comments, and stuck a memorandum on a notice board at the BMW International Open in Germany on Thursday to remind players of their responsibilities.

Morrison wrote on Twitter to describe the Celtic Manor course as a “dump” and say “one more round and then can’t get over that bridge quick enough!”

The 27-year-old Englishman apologized for his comments during the May 30-June 3 Wales Open but will still be fined by the Tour.

The Tour also warns that players could face civil action from “`any other parties who legal rights are affected by such comments.”

It is not known how many players have been the subject of disciplinary action.

Marcus Fraser of Australia, who holds the first-round clubhouse lead at the BMW International Open after shooting a 64, is believed to have been fined heavily for online comments made during the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles last August.

Fraser had played the opening two rounds alongside Rafa Echenique of Argentina, who was seen using his mobile phone on the course to rearrange a flight. Fraser went on Facebook to allegedly express his disapproval at Echenique’s actions.