Major champion Mark Calcavecchia was reportedly kicked out of Augusta National on the eve of the Masters for violating the club’s no-phone policy.
Augusta is known for its strict regulations which include a ban on cell phones, tablets and laptops on the grounds.
No patron is exempt – not even 1989 Open champion Calcavechhia who, according to Golfweek, was caught using his phone on Tuesday.
Security officials reportedly removed the 65-year-old, who played in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008.
His best finish came in 1988, when he finished second. Calcavecchia’s sole major victory came at Open Championship the following year.
That earned him the title of ‘honorary invitee’ to the Masters but that did not stop officials removing Calcavechhia this week.
Mark Calcavecchia was reportedly kicked out of Augusta National on the eve of the Masters
Augusta National is known for its strict regulations which include a ban on cell phones
The 65-year-old played in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008, once finishing second
Calcavecchia did not deny being kicked out, telling Golfweek only: ‘I’ve got nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters.’
The Masters does have banks of ‘courtesy phones’ that fans can use while on the grounds of Augusta national.
The tournament believes that a ban on cell phones is ‘part of what makes the Masters such a unique environment.’
‘Violation of these policies will subject the ticket holder to removal from the grounds and the ticket purchaser to the permanent loss of credentials (tickets),’ the Masters website reads.
Calcavecchia is not the only big name to experience the wrath of Masters officials when it comes to enforcing this policy. Ex-US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley previously revealed that his sister was once caught with a phone in the clubhouse.
‘They were going to kick her out and she cried, and they let her put her phone in a safe and stay,’ Bradley later told Golfweek.
