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The Masters no-phone policy does not discriminate, even if you are a former major golf champion.
Mark Calcavecchia, winner of the 1989 Open Championship, was reportedly kicked out by Augusta National Golf Club security for using his phone this week at the Masters.
Golfweek spoke with Calcavecchia, who did not deny taking out his phone on the course, which constitutes an automatic dismissal.
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Mark Calcavecchia of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the remainder of the first round on day two of the Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands Golf Club in The Woodlands, Texas, May 3, 2025. (Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
“I have nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so I think we should literally hang it up now,” he said.
Although Calcavecchia, 65, is not a former Masters winner, he competed in this event 18 times during his career from 1987 to 2008. He even finished in second place in 1988.
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The winners of the other three majors, like Calcavecchia, were to receive a five-year exempt invitation to play at the Masters, then become “guests of honor” for life.
But rules are rules, especially at Augusta National. No one is above the law on the premises, and the official Masters website says so when it comes to cell phones.
Mark Calcavecchia plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the Boeing Classic at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge in Snoqualmie, Washington, August 9, 2024. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
“Use of any device for telephone calls, emails, text messages or to record and/or transmit voice, video or data is strictly prohibited,” the website reads.
Augusta National provides field telephone service. Designated phone banks, where AT&T provides services as the Masters “Champion Partner,” are located on the course to make phone calls if necessary.
Any other technological form of communication is strictly prohibited and Calcavecchia pays the price.
Mark Calcavecchia of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the remainder of the first round on day two of the 2025 Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands Golf Club in The Woodlands, Texas, May 3, 2025. (Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
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It’s the sad reality for some who don’t play by the rules, but the Masters is about unplugging and living in the present, adding to the wonder and mystery that is golf’s first major tournament of the golf season.
