Cellphone ban at the Masters: Why patrons and players love the prohibition of mobile phones on the course

Banning mobile phones has, hilariously, in today’s world, become something that could almost be considered Orwellian. Not being allowed to use your mobile phone - imagine that! - in certain areas could be the first step towards a dystopian world. But not at the Masters.

The world-famous Golf tournament has a ‘no phones’ rule on the grounds for patrons at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the comPetition. Incredibly, there are no crying children and no FOMO: the reviews are always entirely positive. Just like the low food prices.

What happens if you are caught with your phone at the Masters?

People who violate the no phone rule risk not just expulsion from the grounds, but a lifetime ban from Augusta National Golf Club. Of course, some form of long-distance communication is necessary in the case of emergencies, so Augusta National provides banks of 24-button phones with free calling.

The rule does not just apply to fans, but press, players and staffers alike.

Current chairman of the club, Fred Ridley explained back in 2019 that “I think our patrons appreciate our cellphone policy. I know that we have now become an outlier, if not the only outlier in golf, as well, at allowing cell phones.”

“Everyone’s very, very present. They’re not focused on if they got the right [camera] shot that they’re sending, and maybe they don’t even know where your ball went,” 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth commented. “It’s very nice, because you feel like everyone’s there with you all the time.”

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“I also understand how advantageous cellphones are for the growth of our sport,” Spieth said. “It’s nice for a week, but if it was every tournament, you know, our growth would be limited.”

“It’s super special. I think it adds a lot of value to the tournament because you have the crowds, and it’s a different energy,” Joaquin Niemann added on the topic. “They’re just focused on watching golf, which I think is pretty cool. It changes a lot.”