Major Champion Ejected From The Masters For Rules Violation

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 5:26 PM ET

A former major champion was reportedly ejected from the grounds at The Masters earlier this week.

Mark Calcavecchia, the 1989 British Open champion, was in attendance at The Masters this week. He was on the grounds during the practice round day on Tuesday. Augusta National Golf Club has strict rules for everyone at The Masters - and that includes former players. Calcavecchia, a longtime golf star, learned the rules the hard way.

Calcavecchia, 65, played in the Masters 18 times during his career, but he apparently didn't know of the phone rule. He was reportedly tossed from The Masters for being on his phone. That's a strict no-no at Augusta National.

Golfweek confirmed what happened.

"When the 13-time PGA Tour winner was reached by phone and asked to explain what led to his dismissal, he didn’t offer any details, but he also didn’t deny that it happened," they reported.

Calcavecchia didn't deny it, either.

“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,” he said.

David Cannon/Getty Images

The Masters has very strict rules for its patrons.

Augusta National's prohibited items

The Masters prevents the following items:

Electronic devices (Cell Phones, Laptops, Tablets, Beepers, Drones and other electronics), including devices capable of transmitting photo/video*
Radios, TVs, Noise and Music-producing devices
Knives and Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
Flags, Banners and Signs
Cameras**
Chairs/Seats with pointed ends, Folding armchairs and Rigid-type chairs
Strollers
Food, Beverage and Coolers
Golf shoes with metal spikes
Ladders, Periscopes, Tripods, Monopods and Selfie sticks
Backpacks, Bags and Purses larger than 10” x10” x12” (in its natural state)

Cameras are allowed, though only on certain days.

"Cameras are strictly prohibited on Tournament days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). On Practice Round days (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), cameras are permitted for still photography and personal use only. Only one camera lens is permitted during Practice Rounds, and it may not exceed more than 8 inches in length when fully extended," Augusta National announced.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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