The first full week of April hosts the Masters Tournament, one of the four major events of the year. In contrast to the other majors, it is held at the same, storied Augusta National Golf Club every year.
The Masters, founded in 1934, is an official money event on the PGA, European, and Japanese golf tours. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts an invitation-only event; therefore, there are fewer players than in the other majors.
The location was once an indigo plantation in the early 1800s, and it has been a plant nursery since 1857. Bobby Jones enlisted Alister MacKenzie's assistance in designing the course in 1931, but he died before the first Masters Tournament, despite the fact that the course officially opened in 1933.
The Masters winner is awarded a famous green jacket, which must be worn in compliance with strict rules and restrictions. Many players, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson, have won numerous titles on the course.
What is prohibited at the Masters Tournament?
According to the official website of the Masters Tournament, the following items are prohibited:
Electronic devices, including devices capable of transmitting photo/video
Backpacks, Bags and Purses larger than 10” x 10” x 12” (in its natural state)
Knives and Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
Cameras
Radios, TVs, Noise and music producing devices
Chairs/Seats with pointed ends, Folding armchairs and Rigid type chairs
Flags, Banners and Signs
Strollers
Food, Beverage and Coolers
Golf Shoes with metal spikes
Ladders, Periscopes and Selfie sticks
Electronic watches and fitness tracking bands are examples of allowed devices. But it's against the rules to use these devices for text messaging, phone conversations, emails, or any other kind of photo, video, or data recording and/or transmission.
On practice round days (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), cameras are permitted (for personal use or photography only).
"The Masters Tournament Committee may prohibit other items at its discretion. All items are subject to search."
It is completely forbidden to use electronic devices on the premises at all times, including phones, laptops, tablets, and beepers. It is strictly forbidden to record and/or transmit voice, video, or data using any device. A ticket holder who violates these rules will be removed from the premises and will lose their credentials (tickets) permanently.
What are the rules for patrons at Augusta?
There are several rules to be followed by the patrons at the Augusta; the major ones are given below:
Running is Not Allowed
Most golf courses actually don't allow running, but Augusta National is one place where it's definitely not acceptable. Thursday morning, when the gates open and fans speed-walk to their favorite spot and set down their chairs, provides one of the nicest sights of the week, like a parade on a golf course.
Replacing Chairs is Not Allowed
It's among the most cherished customs in Augusta. Place your chair down at your preferred location—the first tee, fourth tee, sixth green, Amen Corner, eighteenth green, etc.—and explore the area until you return. It will still be there, waiting for you.
No Phones
This one is significant. Don't do it; don't bring it. But there are two sides to this. You may be pleasantly pleased to discover how serene it is to be free from the constant anxiety of checking your phone every few minutes, whether on the golf course or at a tournament.
The Etiquette Talk
Keep in mind that at Augusta National, people are called "patrons," not "fans." Thus, you can say second cut instead of rough and second nine instead of back nine.
Experts must exercise caution as well since Gary McCord was not permitted to return to broadcasts following an incident in 1994 in which he claimed that greens were smoothed with "bikini wax."
After spending 19 years positioned near the 15th green as a reporter for the Masters, David Feherty has acknowledged that it was challenging for him to call the Masters with his signature wit. He mentioned one instance in which his comments did not match what the stream was showing, resulting in his one-liner lacking crucial context.
No Camera
During practice rounds, you are allowed to bring your camera and take pictures, but not once the tournament gets underway.
Why are phones not allowed at Augusta?
Billy Payne, a former chairman of Augusta National, underlined that cell phones are a distraction. Both players and patrons may experience disruptions due to noise from talks, dialing, and camera clicks. Consequently, the club has decided to enforce the prohibition to preserve a concentrated environment.
Augusta National has a zero-tolerance policy regarding cellphone use, which is closely monitored. Anyone found in possession of a cell phone is immediately asked to leave the premises. Some violators have sometimes been banned for life; however, the club has 24 touch-tone phones located throughout the premises for emergency calls.
Are jeans allowed at the Masters?
The Masters attire guidelines don’t explicitly mention “Jeans,” so whether one can or can’t is up for debate; however, they mention the word "appropriate,” which means casual pants, Khakis, and t-shirts for men and women in pants or fitted shorts with a loose-fitting shirt or blouse.
Jeans don’t exactly meet the “appropriate” criteria, as they are way too casual to be worn to an event as prestigious as the Masters.
Can you take pictures at the Masters?
Pictures can be taken during practice rounds, but not during the tournament rounds.
FAQ's On Masters
A. Cellphones are banned to maintain a distraction-free environment for players and patrons, ensuring focus and concentration.
A. No, since the dress code emphasizes "appropriate" attire. Jeans are considered too casual for the event.
A. Pictures are permitted during practice rounds but prohibited during tournament rounds.
A. Patrons are expected to refrain from running, replacing chairs, using phones, and have to adhere to proper etiquette and decorum.
A. Violators risk expulsion from the premises, permanent loss of credentials (tickets), and potential lifetime bans from the event.
