The Masters competition isn’t all fun and games.
The tournament has a very strict policy that led to former champions, who broke the rule, being kicked out of the contest.
The one rule that cannot be broken under any circumstances, is the Masters’ no-phone policy which goes for both players and patrons.
The British Open’s 1989 champion Mark Calcavecchia was escorted out of the Augusta National Golf Club by security, simply because the golf professional was spotted using his phone on April 8.
Mark remained neutral after the situation took place and commented: “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,” per Golf Week.
The reasoning behind the policy
Instead of anyone using their own personal phones, AT&T serves as “a champion partner.”
Believe it or not, the company actually offers its phones for players and patrons to use.
The Masters does not permit other technology either such as tablets, laptops or two-way pagers.
The reasoning behind the strict rule is that the tournament wants “to maintain a traditional atmosphere.”
© Getty ImagesPreviously affected professionals
Mark was not the only person who was affected by the strict rule.
In 2011, former Golf Channel broadcaster Charlie Rymer was also kicked out of the tournament because he was spotted talking on his phone by a security guard right outside of the media center.
He could not continue covering the competition for Westwood One’s radio network.
Despite Charlie breaking down in tears, he was still kicked off the property.
A spokesperson for Augusta National said of the incident: “We explained to him our policy, how we take it very seriously and we sent him home,” per GolfWeek.
© Getty ImagesThe history of The Masters
The Masters began in 1934 and it was called “Augusta National Invitation Tournament,” at the time.
The tournament was launched by golfer Bobby Jones and an investment banker by the name of Clifford Roberts.
Some of the competition’s traditions are still celebrated to this day, such as honoring the winner with a green jacket, which started back in 1949.
After the champion flaunts it for a year, it is then returned a year later to be worn by the next winner.
© Getty ImagesMark competed at the tournament an impressive 18 times from 1987 to 2008.
In 1988, he became the runner-up at the Masters.
This year, golf professionals such as Rory Mcllroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are competing for the top spot.
The prize winner will receive a hefty $5 million check, which is actually the highest payout ever in men’s golf history.
The tournament takes place from April 9 to April 12 in Augusta, Georgia.
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