Golf star kicked out of Masters after breaking strict rule

Jack Otway
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:32:57 +0000

Mark Calcavecchia, who claimed The Open Championship title in 1989, was removed from Augusta National this week after breaching the venue's stringent mobile phone rules.

The 65-year-old American had been present at the Georgia course as an "honorary invitee" ahead of the 2026 Masters, a privilege extended to him as a major championship winner.

Security personnel escorted Calcavecchia from the premises after discovering he had violated the device ban, according to Golfweek.

The incident occurred during the practice round days leading up to this week's tournament, where Augusta National maintains some of the most rigorous spectator regulations in professional sport.

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Calcavecchia competed at the Masters on 18 occasions between 1987 and 2008, with his finest performance coming in 1988 when he finished as runner-up.

When Golfweek contacted the former champion by telephone following his removal, he refused to speak ill of the tournament organisers.

"I've got nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so I think we should literally hang up right now," Calcavecchia reportedly told the publication when questioned about what had transpired.

His ejection demonstrates that Augusta National applies its rules uniformly, regardless of a visitor's standing within the game or their history with the tournament.

Augusta National enforces numerous regulations designed to safeguard its reputation as one of the world's most exclusive sporting occasions.

Visitors, whom the club refers to as "patrons" rather than fans or spectators, are required to surrender their mobile phones before entering the grounds.

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The prohibition extends to laptops and tablets, with organisers determined to preserve a traditional ambience throughout the event.

For those needing to make calls, a collection of old-fashioned telephones has been installed around the course.

Beyond the device restrictions, Augusta imposes a strict dress code, forbids running anywhere on the property, and bans all commercial branding and sponsor logos from the premises.

Patrons face having their tickets revoked for the entire week if they breach any of the extensive rules in place.

Cameras are permitted solely during Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday practice sessions, and only for taking still photographs rather than video footage, with all photography equipment banned once competition begins.

Autograph requests must be confined to the practice area, with players off-limits while on the course itself.

Outside food and beverages are prohibited, though concession prices remain affordable, and each visitor may bring a single collapsible chair.

Spectators are forbidden from booing or jeering poor shots, whilst applauding excellent play is welcomed.

Last year, Arizona State University coach Matt Thurmond was removed for wearing shorts whilst greeting former student Kevin Yu on the practice range.