Augusta National is notoriously ruthless with its no-phones policy at the Masters, and a winner of The Open Championship found out the hard way during a practice round this week
The Masters’ no-nonsense policy on mobile phones has no exceptions, as major winner Mark Calcavecchia found out on Tuesday.
The 1989 Open champion was ejected from Augusta National after being found using his cell phone on the grounds during a practice round. The club has banned patrons from having phones and similar devices anywhere on the course since the technology became commonplace.
Augusta National says it enforces the policy “to maintain a traditional atmosphere,” and the patron guide on its website reads: “Part of what makes the Masters such a unique environment is the lack of cell phones on the grounds.”
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Calcavecchia, who played in the Masters 18 times and finished second in 1988, was doubtless aware of the policy, but Golfweek reports that the 65-year-old was caught red-handed and shown the exit.
“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 said in a brief phone call when quizzed about the incident.
There are very few places at Augusta National where cell phones are permitted. Members of the press may use their devices in the media centre, but they must leave their phones at their desks when stepping onto the course or attending a press conference.
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Calcavecchia was attending the 90th Masters as a guest of Augusta National, which sends invitations to major champions of years gone by, although Greg Norman was snubbed once again — a move that left the former LIV Golf boss furious.
Other notable names have fallen foul of the policy in the past. Charlie Rymer, formerly of Golf Channel, was working for Westwood One in 2011 when he had his credential revoked for stepping outside the media centre to take a call. A tearful apology did not help his cause.
One-time major champion Keegan Bradley’s sister was also caught with a phone in her possession one year, but she was given a reprieve after bursting into tears.
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He said at the time: “They were going to kick her out and she cried, and they let her put her phone in a safe and stay.”
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the bookies’ favourite to win this week, is a fan of the policy. He said: “Very peaceful. There are no people asking for selfies in the middle of the round. It’s very calm out there, and people follow the rules here. For us as players, it’s really an enjoyable experience.”
Ludvig Aberg agrees. He said: “It feels like the fans are a little bit more engaged in the golf. They’re a little bit more attuned to what’s going on. It’s a cool environment to play. It feels like good golf shots are being appreciated, in a different way.”
