Major winner thrown out of Masters on eve of tournament for breaking strict Augusta rules

It does not matter whether you are playing or watching at Augusta National, the Masters have a strict code when it comes to rules and regulations.

That includes the well established no-phone policy, that applies to all who enter the grounds – including major champion Mark Calcavecchia.

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On Tuesday, the 1989 British Open champion – not in the field for this year’s renewal – was reportedly escorted from Augusta National Golf Club by security for using his phone.

The former US Ryder Cup star was contacted by Golfweek after reports emerged, and Calcavecchia kept his answer brief.

“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 saidl

The 65-year-old participated in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008, finishing second to Sandy Lyle in 1988 after the Scot’s memorable final hole birdie.

With the rules that winners of men’s golf’s three other majors are exempt for five years into the iconic Masters tournament, Calcavecchia earned his was into Augusta as an ‘honorary invitee’.

It’s been almost two decades since the American was in the field, but remains one of the more recognizable names in the golfing world after 19 wins across the globe, 13 on the PGA Tour.

Despite this, it didn’t stop the officials from removing him from the course.

The Masters having always applied an electronics ban as it sticks firmly to traditions stemming back to 1934 – with 2026 being the 90th edition – there is still access to the outside world from Augusta.

This comes via their “champion partner” and top sponsor AT&T, who provide the course with banks of phones that patrons can use on the course.

However, the use of personal cell phones, laptops, tablets and two-way pagers is strictly prohibited, with the Masters citing that this is to “maintain a traditional atmosphere.”

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If patrons are caught violating these roles, consequences include immediate expulsion and loss of tickets.

Lee Westwood admits players ‘smuggle’ in phones

However, English golfer Lee Westwood admits that some players attempt to smuggle in their phones.

“No phones is always a great rule I think,” Westwood, who won’t be teeing it up in Georgia this year, revealed. “Even the players aren’t supposed to take their phones in.

“Some people smuggle them in but it’s just very much about being there and it being all about the golf.

“They don’t like it when you get your phone out and take pictures on the golf course and stuff like that. It’s just very traditional.”

The 52-year-old, twice a runner up at the Masters in his career, added: “I think it’s a lot to do with the fact that it’s a major championship where we go back to the same place every year.

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“It’s the only major that does that. It’s also just the little immaculate things. How immaculate it is.

“There’s nothing out of place and I like the silly little rules and traditions that they have.”

The first round of action will begin at 12:40pm UK time (7:40am in Georgia) on April 9, with Rory McIlroy teeing off at 3:31pm UK time (10:31am local time) in his bid to defend his title.

Only Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus have managed to defend the title, and the most recent winner of the Green Jacket will be grouped with Cameron Young and 18-year-old amateur Mason Howell.

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