While the Masters is a bucket-list item for anyone who loves the game, a visit to Augusta National requires guests to be on their best behavior and follow club rules.
The list of prohibited items is lengthy, and includes phones, bags, backpacks, purses, cameras (during tournament rounds), flags, banners, signs and even strollers. Running and laying down are also frowned upon.
And if you think Masters participants get a pass on these rules and restrictions, think again.
According to GOLF’s survey of 40 players who have played in at least one Masters, 33 percent of the respondents said that they have been reprimanded by Augusta National for something they’ve done while on property. The reasons for the wrist-slaps? A diverse mix of violations.
“I took a video skipping it across the creek on No. 16 and posted it,” said one player. “They took it down. It was my first introduction to Big Brother.”
“I got in trouble for sitting down on the range,” said another.
A third player said, “A waiter told me to put my phone away.”
Tour pros, they’re just like us.
When asked if the exclusive air on property ever makes them uncomfortable, 48 percent of respondents said yes, it does.
“Uncomfortable is not the right word,” said one pro. “Wary.”
“It’s like going back in time,” said another.
GOLF’s Anonymous Pro Masters survey, which will be published in its entirety later this week, was compiled over two days at the Desert Classic in January. Forty players — all of whom have played in at least one Masters — answered a variety of Masters- and Augusta National-related questions, including queries about Tiger, Phil and Rory’s prospects, the course’s best and worst holes, what they know about the course that most viewers don’t, and much more.
You can also find the full survey in the April issue of GOLF Magazine.
