13-Time PGA Winner Removed From Masters for Cell Phone Violation

Mark Calcavecchia was escorted off Augusta National property for breaking the club's long-standing policy.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:20am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract golf swing and the iconic Augusta National clubhouse, conveying the clash between the tournament's storied history and its strict policies on personal devices.A cubist interpretation of the tension between tradition and modern technology at the prestigious Masters tournament.Augusta Today

A 13-time PGA Tour winner was removed from the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, home of the prestigious Masters tournament, after he was caught using his cell phone on the property. The club has a strict policy banning personal electronic devices to maintain a traditional atmosphere, and violations result in immediate removal from the venue.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most iconic events in professional sports, and Augusta National is known for strictly enforcing its traditions and rules. This incident highlights the club's commitment to upholding its policies, even for former players like Calcavecchia who have had successful careers in the game.

The details

Mark Calcavecchia, who won the 1989 Open Championship and played in the Masters 18 times, was escorted off the Augusta National property by security after he was caught using his cell phone. The club has a partnership with AT&T that provides phones for patrons to use, but the use of personal electronic devices is strictly prohibited in order to maintain a traditional atmosphere. Violations of this policy result in immediate removal from the venue.

  • Calcavecchia was removed from Augusta National on April 6, 2026, ahead of the start of the Masters tournament on April 10.

The players

Mark Calcavecchia

A 13-time PGA Tour winner who won the 1989 Open Championship and played in the Masters 18 times over his career.

Augusta National Golf Club

The host of the prestigious Masters tournament, known for strictly enforcing its traditions and rules, including a ban on personal electronic devices on the property.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mark Calcavecchia, 13-time PGA Tour winner

What’s next

It is unclear whether Calcavecchia will be able to or willing to attend the Masters tournament over the next four days after being removed from the property.

The takeaway

This incident highlights Augusta National's unwavering commitment to upholding its longstanding policies, even for former players who have had successful careers in the sport. The Masters' traditional atmosphere is a key part of its prestige, and the club is willing to enforce its rules to maintain that tradition.