The Masters Tournament, one of golf’s four major championships, is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. As one of the most prestigious events in professional golf, the Masters maintains strict policies around spectator behavior and electronics usage to preserve the tradition and integrity of the competition.
Quick Answer
Cell phones are prohibited on the grounds of Augusta National during tournament play at the Masters. Fans must leave phones and other electronic devices in their cars or at the entrance gates before entering the course. The strict no cell phone policy has been in place for over a decade.
Are cell phones allowed on the course at the Masters Tournament?
No, cell phones and other electronic devices like cameras, laptops, tablets, etc. are not permitted on the course during tournament rounds at the Masters. This policy has been in effect since 2007. Upon arrival at Augusta National, security will search bags and ask spectators to leave phones, cameras, etc. in their vehicles before entering the grounds.
The Masters does not provide any kind of storage lockers or holding areas for electronic devices. The only way to bring a phone is to leave it in your car in the parking lot. The club’s reasoning is to protect the integrity of the competition and prevent distractions to players as well as spectators.
When are cell phones allowed?
Cell phones are permitted on the Augusta National grounds during the Masters Tournament’s practice rounds Monday through Wednesday. It is only during the competitive tournament rounds on Thursday through Sunday that cell phones, cameras, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices are prohibited.
This allows spectators attending practice rounds earlier in the week to bring electronic devices and take photos of the course and players as they prepare. But once the tournament tees off on Thursday morning, all devices must be left outside the gates.
Are there any exceptions to the cell phone ban?
There are no exceptions to the cell phone policy during Masters rounds even if you have an urgent reason. Doctors, on-call workers and others who may need access to a phone due to professional or personal circumstances are not allowed to bring devices onto the course.
The only exception is made for credentialed media members with special permission who may need to use electronics like laptops and cameras to cover the tournament.
How is the cell phone policy enforced at the Masters?
Security personnel at Augusta National enforce the cell phone ban by checking the belongings of all spectators entering the grounds. Guests are asked to empty pockets and open bags for inspection. If a prohibited item is discovered during security screening, patrons will be asked to return the device to their vehicle before being allowed entry.
There is also heightened surveillance across the Masters grounds using security personnel and video monitoring systems to ensure fans do not use cell phones while on site. Fans caught using phones could be ejected from the course.
Have there been violators of the policy?
While most patrons comply with the rules, there have been a few instances over the years of spectators attempting to sneak phones onto the course and being caught:
- In 2018, Australian pro golfer Aaron Baddeley had his caddie take a fan’s phone away during his round after it rang on the 7th hole.
- In 2017, Kevin Na reported seeing a fan taking photos during the par-3 contest and had security confront the man and eject him.
- In 2012, three different patrons were asked to leave after being found carrying camera phones.
These incidents illustrate Augusta National’s strict policing of the cell phone ban at tournament time and low tolerance for violations.
Why are cell phones banned at the Masters Tournament?
There are several reasons behind Augusta National’s prohibition of mobile devices during the Masters:
- Competition integrity – Removing phones eliminates distraction, enforces player communication rules, and prevents cheating like getting advice via text from a caddie in the gallery.
- Etiquette and tradition – The club aims to maintain the sense of decorum expected at a major championship. Phones are seen as impolite distractions.
- Media rights – The Masters wants to control broadcast footage and photos of the tournament and prevent unauthorized sharing on social media.
- Fan experience – Encourages patrons to be present and engaged with the competition and scenery.
The Masters Tournament Committee feels strongly that prohibiting phones and cameras enhances the competitive nature of the event and preserves the time-honored traditions of the club.
How do fans feel about the phone ban policy?
Fan opinion on the Masters’ cell phone prohibition is somewhat mixed, but most understand and accept the policy.
Some patrons welcome a break from their devices and the chance to immerse themselves in following the golf. They appreciate the lack of distractions and feel it elevates the on-site experience.
However, others find the policy frustrating and overly restrictive. With younger generations especially accustomed to constant technology access, some fans feel disconnected being at a major sports event with no ability to post photos or communicate via phone.
There are always a handful of critics and contrarians who disagree with the rules on principle. But overall the Masters cell phone ban does not stir huge backlash and is accepted as part of the unique charm of the tournament.
Has Augusta National ever considered changing the policy?
The Masters Tournament Committee has given no indication of any plans to overturn or revise the long-standing cell phone ban. Traditionalism is a core value at Augusta National, so significant policy shifts seem unlikely barring some dramatic circumstances.
However, the club made a notable exception in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when no spectators were permitted at the Masters. Some mobile device usage was allowed by media, tournament staff and limited patrons in order to facilitate operations and broadcasting under the extraordinary situation.
But with fans returning in full force for recent and upcoming Masters, phones remain verboten on the course during tournament rounds as before.
How can I follow the Masters without having my phone?
For fans attending the Masters Tournament in person, here are some ways to follow the action and stay updated without having your cell phone:
- Program – Purchase a Masters program to get player stats, pairings, course info and news.
- Leaderboards – Check giant electronic scoreboards and smaller portable boards around course.
- Radios – Rent a radio or bring a portable non-cell radio to listen to the broadcast.
- Newspapers – Read Masters news in on-site newspapers available for free.
- Fan Vision – Rent a Fan Vision handheld screen at the course to watch featured group coverage.
The Masters does an excellent job posting leaderboards across the grounds and making sightline radios available for rental. With some preparation, fans can closely follow the play without cell phones.
Conclusion
The Masters Tournament’s long-standing policy prohibits cell phones and other electronic devices from being brought onto the grounds during competitive rounds. While some fans grumble over the strict rules, most understand Augusta National’s reasoning and adhere to the ban.
With mindful preparation and usage of resources like radios, newspapers and posted leaderboards, patrons can closely follow the action at the Masters without having their phones. The no cell phone policy remains a distinctive, traditional facet of the Masters experience.