It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time attendee, a longtime member of Augusta National Golf Club or Tiger Woods himself; when you’re on the grounds for the Masters Tournament, you’d better not get caught with a cell phone in your hand. Mark Calcavecchia, a 13-time PGA Tour champion and winner of the 1989 Open Championship, just learned that lesson the hard way.
According to Golfweek, Masters security removed Calcavecchia from Augusta National this week for using his phone on the grounds. The major champion must’ve figured the rules didn’t apply to him, but no one gets special treatment when it comes to Augusta’s no-phone policy.
Mark Calcavecchia Kicked Out of Masters for Using Phone
GettyMark Calcavecchia learned the hard way that the Masters’ rules apply to everyone.
The Masters is one of the most glorious sporting events you can attend in person, but you have to play by their rules. If you’re ever lucky enough to grace the grounds at Augusta National, you’d better be prepared to obey the Masters laws.
Firstly, you must dress in golf attire. When you’re following players on the golf course, you aren’t allowed to run. You’re also prohibited from asking for autographs on tournament days. But most importantly, cell phones are not allowed on the grounds under any circumstances.
These rules apply to everyone attending the Masters, even if you’re a major champion. Calcavecchia learned that lesson a little too late, as he was kicked out of the 90th Masters for pulling out his cell phone on the course.
“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 told Golfweek in a phone call after the incident.
Calcavecchia, a four-time Ryder Cupper during his career, is an “honorary invitee” at the Masters thanks to his triumph at Royal Troon Golf Club. The 65-year-old played in the Masters 18 times from 1987 to 2008, and his best finish was a runner-up in 1988.
Unfortunately for Calcavecchia, he’ll be watching the rest of the tournament from home, where he can use his cell phone all he wants.
The 90th Masters Tournament Rolls on
Even though the Masters had to make the difficult decision to kick out an “honorary invitee,” the tournament has gone off without a hitch. Golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson kicked off the 90th Masters with their honorary tee shots, and the players are now on the course fighting for the green jacket.
At the start of the tournament, Scottie Scheffler went off as the +550 favorite (FanDuel) to win his third Masters. Jon Rahm (+950), Bryson DeChambeau (+1000) and reigning champion Rory McIlroy (+1200) weren’t far behind.
If you’re interested in following along, download the Masters app for all-day coverage of Holes 4, 5 and 6, Amen Corner, Featured Groups and more. The first round will be love on Masters.com, the Masters app and Prime Video starting at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage will continue on ESPN, the ESPN app and ESPN Deportes from 3-7:30 p.m. ET.
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