The Masters’ no-nonsense policy on mobile phones has no exceptions, as major winner Mark Calcavecchia found out on Tuesday.
The 1989 Open champion was ejected from Augusta National after being found using his cell phone on the grounds during a practice round. The club has banned patrons from having phones and similar devices anywhere on the course since the technology became commonplace.
Augusta National says it enforces the policy “to maintain a traditional atmosphere,” and the patron guide on its website reads: “Part of what makes the Masters such a unique environment is the lack of cell phones on the grounds.”
Calcavecchia, who played in the Masters 18 times and finished second in 1988, was doubtless aware of the policy, but Golf week reports that the 65-year-old was caught red-handed and shown the exit.
“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 said in a brief phone call when quizzed about the incident.
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Mark Calcavecchia was escorted off the property(Image: Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
