Strange Rules at The Masters
The Masters has some rather peculiar regulations in place.
There’s a distinct lottery for tickets, fans must adhere to a strict dress code, and, perhaps most surprisingly, electronic devices are not permitted.
Yes, you read that right—Augusta National Golf Course has a complete ban on items like cell phones, laptops, tablets, drones, and basically anything that might “transmit photos or videos.” However, the one exception seems to be fitness trackers and smartwatches.
Interestingly, these smartwatches can’t be used to make calls or send texts either. If attendees need to make a call, there’s a toll-free phone available on-site. Alternatively, they can check their cell phones before entering the tournament grounds.
On days of competition, cameras are also off-limits, but they’re allowed during practice days for personal use.
In addition to those electronic device restrictions, other prohibited items include radios, televisions, noise devices, pointed chairs, strollers, and all food or drink.
Anyone caught breaking these rules could be removed from the venue and may even lose their tickets for good.
The 2026 Masters kicks off on Thursday, April 9th, and wraps up on Sunday, April 12th, streaming live on ESPN and CBS.
Rory McIlroy is set to defend his title, aiming to become the first back-to-back champion since Tiger Woods achieved the feat in 2001-02. Last year, McIlroy won his first Masters title by overcoming Justin Rose, which many viewed as a major victory for him.
This win also enabled McIlroy to join the exclusive group of golfers who have completed a career Grand Slam.
For McIlroy, breaking that championship drought since 2014 was a significant relief. Yet, despite this achievement, he remarked that he remains focused on future goals. “There’s still so much I want to do,” he noted. “Each success feels fantastic, but the goalposts just keep moving further away.”
As he put it, “The good thing now is that it’s not, ‘Come on, Rory, I know you can do this.’ It’s more like, ‘Go on,’” reflecting his mindset going into this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, in the mix is Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked No. 1 in the world and also competing in this year’s prestigious 90th Masters. He’s looking to secure his third title in five years, while also attempting to sideline McIlroy’s ambitions once again.
