The Masters have several strict rules, which even saw former major winner Mark Calcavecchia kicked out of Augusta earlier in the week
The Masters have a strict no phones policy (Image: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Masters have reportedly looked to crack down on AI glasses which are aimed at circumventing their strict no-phone and no-camera policy. The strict rule saw Mark Calcavecchia ejected from the venue on Tuesday, after being caught using his mobile phone.
Those strict rules include AI glasses which can contain mini speakers, microphones, and cameras, allowing users to send and receive messages, listen to music, and capture photos and video. The modern technology can be difficult to detect to the untrained eye.
But the Daily Mail claim the glasses are now among the club’s top priorities when briefing security staff, with officials learning how to spot the hidden cameras.
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A source told the paper that on one recent occasion, a fan was caught trying to bring the glasses into the first round of the Masters.
It is said they used them for a practice round and were shown some leniency. The club confiscated the gadget, but the fan was able to collect it as they left.
However, anyone who attempts to sneak them into Sunday’s final round would risk being kicked out and banned from the tournament, the source added.
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It is also claimed that officials keep an eye out online for fans posting content using the glasses.
Augusta National were approached with a request for comment.
The reports come after 1989 Open Championship winner Calcavecchia was removed at Augusta after security staff spotted him with his phone. There was no room for negotiation, and the 65-year-old was promptly escorted off the premises.
Speaking about the contentious incident, he said: “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.”
Fans are allowed to bring cameras inside Augusta for practice rounds, but as soon as the tournament starts on Thursday, the club bans electronic devices such as ‘cell phones, laptops, tablets, beepers, drones and other electronics… including devices capable of transmitting photo/video.’
Over recent days, several players have been quizzed on the policy, with many voicing their wholehearted approval. Bryson DeChambeau was among those in favour.
He said: “Yeah. I think it’s great. No doubt, the history is so respected here, and albeit we have to have certain types of communication. We adhere to the rules as much as we can and we abide by them as much as we can.
“I think the most important thing is respecting the tradition and the honour and integrity in this new modern social media world.
“It’s funny, I think Augusta is quite tech savvy to be honest everything what I’ve seen and what they’ve done with the place and what they have for the patrons on the range and people on TV, patrons watching on TV is really cool, all the graphics they have.
“So they’re quite tech savvy, I must say but it’s fun be and nice to go back where we’re more focused on human interaction.”
Watch The Masters with Sky’s Ultimate TV bundle
Coverage of The Masters gets underway on April 6 and golf fans can watch it live with Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle. This includes 135 channels, nine from Sky Sports, plus HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu.
