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.
The Masters LIVE: Latest updates and leaderboard 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.