Golf Coach Kicked Out Of The Masters For Violating Rule

The grounds crew at Augusta National Golf Club doesn't play around when it comes to enforcing its rules. 

Prior to Thursday's opening round, Masters participant Josele Ballester was getting some practice in when his coach, Arizona State's Matt Thurmond, got kicked off the range.  

Thurmond has never had a student of his participate in the Masters. As you'd expect, he's been amped up for Ballester since Monday. In fact, he was so excited that he accidentally broke one of the rules at Augusta National. 

During a chat with Ballester at Augusta National's practice area, Thurmond was confronted by a tournament official. They removed him from the range because he was wearing shorts.  

Players and coaches are not allowed to wear shorts during the week of the Masters, especially if they're on the course or range. 

"I went out on the range without thinking, gave him a hug," Thurmond told Golfweek. "After about one shot and one quick hello, they came out and said 'I’m sorry, sir, you can’t be on the range with your shorts.' My bad, it was a mistake I made. I want to follow the rules here when I’m at Augusta and do everything right. Lucky to be here and appreciate everything here. I just made a mistake."