Major champion Mark Calcavecchia ejected from Masters after breaking strict Augusta rule

Calcavecchia, who won The Open in 1989, was escorted from the grounds for using his phone on the property
Mark Calcavecchia, the 1989 Open champion, has been ejected from The Masters tournament after breaking Augusta National ’s strict no-phone policy.

Calcavecchia was among the patrons at Augusta on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 tournament , in his role as an “honorary invitee”, having won one of golf’s four majors.

He played in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008, recording a best finish of second in 1988.

Augusta has a number of regulations which it enforces to protect its status as one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including a specific dress code, no running around the property and no brands or sponsors on the grounds.

And patrons – Augusta’s word for visiting fans or spectators – must leave phones behind when they enter.

The rule also applies to laptops and tablets as organisers seek to maintain a traditional atmosphere.

A bank of old-fashioned telephones are stationed on the course.

Calcavecchia was in breach of this rule and was removed by security, according to Golfweek , which later spoke to the 65-year-old American on the phone.

“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 is reported to have said, when asked about the incident.

There are a raft of rules for patrons to follow or else risk having their ticket for the week ripped up.

Cameras can only be during practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and only for still photography, not filming.

They are prohibited during the tournament itself.

Patrons are not allowed to ask players for autographs when they are on the course, only around the practice area.

Food and drink can not be brought into the grounds, although prices are kept low at concession stands.

Each visitor can bring in one collapsable chair.

Booing or jeering misses and mistakes is not allowed, but celebrating good play is encouraged.

Last year, Arizona State University coach Matt Thurmond was ejected from the grounds for wearing shorts .

He was caught by officials after going over to greet Arizona State alumnus Kevin Yu on the practice range.

He later explained: “I went out on the range without thinking, gave [Yu] a hug.

After about one shot and one quick hello, they came out and said, ‘I’m sorry, sir, you can’t be on the range with your shorts.’
“My bad, it was a mistake I made.

I want to follow the rules here when I’m at Augusta and do everything right.

Lucky to be here and appreciate everything here.

I just made a mistake.”
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