My take as this has been a topic of frequent discussion:
1. There are those clubs that ban ALL electronic devices, even range finders. OK, fine, they are in the minority, so let them enjoy their little game. (Chicago GC and Onwenstsia in Chicago area.)
2. There are those that seek to limit "live conversations" on cell phones and restrict them to designatated areas: parking lot, locker rooms, the old "phone booth" in the club.
But, in most circumtsances that I have seen, clubs allow "non-verbal communication" on cell phones: text, email and of course photo sharing with others.
I am a huge advocate of the "slippery slope" mantra that certain restrictions are essential to prevent your members lounge, mens grill and dining rooms from turning into an effing Starbuck's.
Sadly, it puts the "enforcement onus" on the staff at these clubs and that's never easy.
At our club, there is a member who is a physician and he routinely would pull up a seat at the bar, take out his laptop and "work" while eating lunch. This is what happens when basic rules arent enforced.
Finally, at a member's urging, he was told by staff that it was against club rules. This guy pulls the "I"m a doctor and I'm dealing with patients" line of BS before he was instructed to deal with his...ahem...CLIENTS in designated areas of the club.
If you allow widespread use of phones and computers, your club will resemble a coffee shop within 60 days....