Golfer Kicked Out Of Masters Tournament For Violating Zero-Tolerance Policy
on Apr 09, 2026
Masters Tournament Begins At Augusta National Golf Club
The iconic Masters Tournament, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, is governed by a combination of official Rules of Golf and a set of strict local regulations.
While competition follows the standardized rules most golf tournaments follow, Augusta National enforces additional expectations for its visitors. Spectators are required to adhere to strict guidelines on movement and conduct throughout the course.
Augusta prohibits patrons from bringing in or using personal cell phones during tournament rounds, but the club does provide courtesy phones located at designated areas throughout the course. These are intended for essential calls only.
Media access is also highly controlled, with designated areas and limited interaction zones for interviews and coverage.
The prestigious tournament is well-known for its strict dress code and bag policy. Players are expected to wear standard professional golf attire and caddies wear their iconic white jumpsuits.
According to the Masters website, patrons “may bring backpacks, bags or purses no larger than 10”x10”x12” in their natural state.”
For spectators, breaking these rules can result in warnings or immediate removal from the grounds. In some cases, individuals may be ejected without refund and could lose future ticket access.
Players are also required to follow the rules. If broken, penalties can range from stroke penalties to disqualification from the tournament.
Former Golf Champion Kicked Out Of The Masters
During the tournament this week, former major champion Mark Calcavecchia was removed from the Masters after violating that strict no-phone policy, according to multiple reports.
Calcavecchia was the 1989 Open Championship winner and a previous longtime Masters participant. He was reportedly caught using a mobile phone and subsequently kicked off the grounds.
The 65-year-old, who was attending as an “honorary invitee,” did not dispute the incident when contacted but declined to criticize the club or the tournament.
Winners of the other three men’s golf majors (the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship) receive a five-year exemption into the Masters. After that they become “honorary invitees.”
Over the course of his career, Calcavecchia won 13 PGA Tour titles, highlighted by his dramatic victory at Royal Troon in the 1989 Open Championship. He also represented the United States in multiple Ryder Cup competitions and remained a consistent presence on tour throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
