Augusta National’s rules and policies are equal for everyone. Whether you are a patron or a former major champion, you’re expected to abide by the rules. Charlie Rymer learned it the hard way. As did Rickie Fowler and Jason Day (more on them later). Add the 1989 Open Champion, Mark Calcavecchia’s name to this growing list as well.

What was the fault of Calcavecchia, who has generally tiptoed through controversy throughout his life? The veteran, present at Augusta on a special invite, broke the one cardinal rule: he used his phone. Any use of digital devices at Augusta National is not just frowned upon but actively banned. So, the retribution was swift.

Calcavecchia was escorted out of the Augusta National when he was caught breaching the club’s strict no-cellphone policy. The veteran golfer was present courtesy of a special invitation extended to every past major winner. But his stay was short. The question is, does it create bad blood between Calcavecchia and the venue where he played for 18 years and notched a runner-up finish as well? Well, not really.

“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,” the 13-time PGA Tour winner told Golfweek when contacted by phone.

Augusta National has yet to release any statement on the matter. But Calcavecchia should take comfort in the fact that he is not the only player who was on the chopping block. Players, fans, and noted broadcasters have been warned and ousted in the past, and likely will be in the future as well.

• Rickie Fowler was warned by the Augusta National authorities when the pro wore his cap backward.
• Jason Day, since signing with Malbon Golf, has continued to stir the pot at Augusta National. In 2024, he was made to remove his sweater mid-round. This year, Augusta rejected one of his planned outfits. 
• Charlie Rymer, a broadcaster working at the Masters, was stripped of his media credential when he picked up a phone. No matter the tears or apologies, the punishment was final, even though it lasted for only one day.

The Masters, notably, is the only golf tournament that doesn’t allow patrons (fans) or anyone else to use a phone inside the course. They have a partnership with AT&T as “a champion partner.” They provide banks of phones that everyone can use to make calls. A patron can lose their tickets for breaching this policy.

The more curious fact is that the rule was started not from a specific year but rather evolved with time to be a strict policy. Augusta keeps tight control over the tournament and everyone who participates, and also comes to watch the tournament.

It should be noted that it’s not just phones, but any electronic gadgets like radios, tablets, beepers, and cameras are prohibited items at the Augusta National. The former chairman staunchly defended the policy by saying the main objective is to avoid any untoward distraction and also keep the patrons locked in to the game.

Two years later, in 2019, Fred Ridley stated, “I think our patrons appreciate our cellphone policy. We have now become an outlier, if not the only outlier in golf, as well, at allowing cell phones.”

They certainly do, as do the pros. Ludvig Aberg, 26, supported the policy, explaining that it creates a deeper connection with the spectators. The mobile ban is actually just one of Augusta National’s unique policies that is still unthinkable anywhere else.

Augusta National’s craziest rules

Call it what you will, Augusta’s charm lies in its quirkiest rules that are followed to a T. Think of the WM Phoenix Open. The moment the gates open, fans run toward the Stadium hole to grab their seats. You can call it a “tradition unlike any other,” but imagining that situation at Augusta borders on sacrilege.

Augusta strictly forbids running. Patrons walk toward the first tee after the gates open, and their tickets are checked. Security stops anyone from breaking the line or trying to run. Walking barefoot? Don’t even think about it. That’s prohibited. Similarly, when the tournament starts, you are not allowed to sit on the grass. There are chairs, and you can use them. But there is a specific chair policy as well.

You can’t take anyone’s chair and move it to a different place. It doesn’t matter if it remains unattended for hours. So unless you get a chair at your favorite spot, you either walk, following the group, or just stand. You might feel hungry and head to the concession shop.

The prices are low–where else can you get a sandwich at less than $2 in 2026? But don’t think that Augusta National is underpaying its staff to keep the prices in check. They aren’t, and you are also not allowed to tip them. Oh, lest we forget, you are not supposed to bring any coolers either.

So, yes, Augusta National has probably the quirkiest rules for any tournament in sports history. But patrons and players have embraced it. Perhaps that’s why it’s a “tradition unlike any other.” The message remains loud and clear. At Augusta National, you play by their rules, or you don’t play at all.