Masters Ejects Former Major Champion for Using Phone

Mark Calcavecchia was removed from Augusta National Golf Club for violating the tournament's strict no-phone policy.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golfer in mid-swing, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of emerald green, sand tan, and sky blue, conceptually representing the disruption caused by a phone violation at the Masters.The Masters' strict enforcement of its no-phone policy disrupts the traditional atmosphere of the prestigious golf tournament.Augusta Today

The Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club enforced its longstanding ban on cell phone use, even against a high-profile former major champion. Mark Calcavecchia, the 1989 Open Championship winner who has played in the Masters 18 times, was escorted off the grounds by security after being spotted using his phone on the course.

Why it matters

Augusta National has maintained a strict no-phone policy for decades in an effort to preserve the traditional atmosphere of the prestigious golf tournament. While the rule applies to all attendees, including coaches, media members, and honorary guests, the ejection of a well-known former champion highlights the tournament organizers' commitment to upholding this policy.

The details

Calcavecchia, 65, was attending the Masters as an 'honorary invitee,' not as an active player. When he was spotted using his phone, he was promptly removed from the grounds by Augusta National security. Reached for comment, Calcavecchia did not deny the incident but declined to provide further details, stating he had 'nothing negative to say' about the club or the tournament.

  • Calcavecchia was ejected from Augusta National on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Mark Calcavecchia

A 65-year-old former professional golfer who won the 1989 Open Championship and has played in the Masters 18 times.

Augusta National Golf Club

The private golf club that hosts the annual Masters Tournament, known for its strict policies and traditional atmosphere.

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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, Former Major Champion

The takeaway

The Masters' unwavering enforcement of its no-phone policy, even against a high-profile former champion, underscores the tournament organizers' commitment to maintaining the traditional atmosphere and experience that has defined the prestigious golf event for decades.