Mark Calcavecchia, a major champion, was booted from Augusta National for violating the Masters’ no-phone policy. The incident highlights the strict enforcement of the rules at the prestigious tournament.
Calcavecchia’s Removal from Augusta
Calcavecchia, a past major champion, found out the hard way that the Masters’ no-phone policy applies to all patrons. Winners of men’s golf’s other three majors are exempt for five years into the Masters and then become “honorary invitees.” Calcavecchia, 65, played in the Masters 18 times during his career between 1987 and 2008 and finished second in 1988.
When reached by phone and asked about the incident, the 13-time PGA Tour winner didn’t offer any details, but he also didn’t deny that it happened. “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,” he said. He then ended the call.
As of 4:20p.m. ET on Wednesday, Augusta National Golf Club has yet to respond to a request for comment.
The Masters’ Strict Phone Policy
The Masters has AT&T as “a champion partner”. The communications company provides banks of phones that patrons can use on the course to make calls. The club strictly prohibits cell phones, laptops, tablets and two-way pagers. The policy is enforced “to maintain a traditional atmosphere.”
Violating this rule can lead to immediate expulsion and loss of tickets.
Past Ejections for Phone Use
Calcavecchia isn’t the first prominent former pro to be removed from the premises. Former Golf Channel broadcaster Charlie Rymer, who was credentialed by the Westwood One radio network to cover the tournament, lost his credential and was asked to leave in 2011 after he stepped outside the media center to chat on his cell phone and was spotted by a security guard.
“We explained to him our policy, how we take it very seriously and we sent him home,” an Augusta National spokesman said at the time. Rymer broke into tears, but to no avail.
Keegan Bradley told Golfweek that he once drove his sister on the property, and she was busted with a phone in the clubhouse. “They were going to kick her out and she cried, and they let her put her phone in a safe and stay,” Bradley recalled.
That option wasn’t on the table, apparently, for a past major champion as Calcavecchia can now attest.