Former Open Champion Mark Calcavecchia Removed from Augusta National for Mobile Phone Violation

Mark Calcavecchia, a 65-year-old American golfer who won The Open Championship in 1989, was removed from Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia this week. He had been invited as an honorary invitee in recognition of his major championship victory, with the invitation related to the 2026 Masters tournament.

Security personnel escorted him from the premises after he violated the club's mobile phone ban, according to a report by Golfweek.

The incident took place during practice rounds in the days before the 2024 Masters tournament, which began on April 11. Augusta National enforces a strict prohibition on mobile phones, laptops, and tablets to maintain a traditional atmosphere during the event. Visitors, referred to by the club as patrons, must surrender such devices upon entry.

Calcavecchia participated in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008, achieving his best result as runner-up in 1988. When contacted by Golfweek after the incident, he declined to criticize the organizers.

“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.”

The removal highlights the uniform application of rules at Augusta National, irrespective of a visitor's prominence in golf. The club maintains extensive regulations to protect its status as an exclusive event. These include a dress code, bans on running, commercial branding, and sponsor logos on the premises.

Patrons risk having their tickets revoked for the week if they violate any rules. Cameras are allowed only during Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday practice sessions for still photographs, with all photography banned once competition starts. Autograph requests are limited to the practice area, and players cannot be approached on the course.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted, though concessions are available at affordable prices, and each patron may bring one collapsible chair. Spectators are prohibited from booing or jeering, but applauding good play is encouraged. In 2023, Arizona State University coach Matt Thurmond was removed for wearing shorts while greeting former student Kevin Yu on the practice range.

The Masters tournament, held annually at Augusta National, draws top professional golfers and thousands of patrons. Violations like Calcavecchia's underscore the club's commitment to its policies, which apply to all attendees. Future invitees, including past champions, will continue to be subject to these rules during visits.