Strict No-Phone Policy Enforced at Masters

Even being a champion doesn’t excuse you from the Masters’ no-phone rules. This was a hard lesson for Mark Calcavecchia, who won the British Open in 1989. Reports indicate he was escorted out of Augusta National Golf Club for using a cell phone, although the details surrounding the incident are somewhat murky.

When approached for comments by Golfweek, Calcavecchia didn’t deny the breach, which is interesting, I think. It suggests an acknowledgment of the rules, yet, a part of me wonders what might have led him to use his phone in such a strict environment. “I literally think I should hang up now because I have nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters,” he remarked before ending the conversation.

As of now, Augusta National hasn’t officially commented on this issue. Calcavecchia, a 13-time PGA Tour winner, has participated in the Masters 18 times, even placing second back in 1988. This incident isn’t the first of its kind for the former pro. Back in 2011, Charlie Reimer faced similar consequences when he was caught on his phone while covering the Masters for Westwood One Radio. He reportedly broke down in tears but didn’t sway security’s decision to remove him.

Interestingly, in the past year, another person faced ejection for different reasons. Matt Thurmond, the men’s golf coach at Arizona State University, was removed for wearing shorts at Augusta National. It’s curious how strict the rules are, with various protocols in place—like needing to wear socks at dinner or not pairing a green jacket with jeans. It seems there’s a certain way of doing things that, well, if violated, can lead to swift repercussions.