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The Masters no-call policy does not discriminate, even if you are a former major golf champion.
Mark Calcavecchia, winner of the 1989 Open Championship, was reportedly removed by Augusta National Golf Club security for using his phone this week at the Masters.
Golfweek spoke with Calcavecchia, who did not deny taking out his phone on the course, which is an automatic dismissal.
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Mark Calcavecchia of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the continuation of the first round on day two of the Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands Golf Club in The Woodlands, Texas, on May 3, 2025. (Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
“I don’t have anything negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so I think we should literally hang up right now,” he said.
While Calcavecchia, 65, has not previously won the Masters, he did play in the event 18 times during his career from 1987 to 2008. He even finished second in 1988.
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Winners of the other three majors, such as Calcavecchia, earned a five-year exempt invitation to play in the Masters, and then became “honorary guests” for life.
But rules are rules, especially at Augusta National. No one is above the law on the premises, and the official Masters website says so when it comes to cell phones.
Mark Calcavecchia plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the Boeing Classic at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge in Snoqualmie, Washington, on August 9, 2024. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
“The use of any device for phone calls, emails, text messages or to record and/or transmit voice, video or data is strictly prohibited,” the website reads.
Augusta National provides telephone service on campus. Designated phone banks are located on the course, where AT&T provides service as a “champion partner” of the Masters, to make phone calls if necessary.
Any other technological form of communication is strictly prohibited and Calcavecchia is paying the price.
Mark Calcavecchia of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the continuation of the first round on day two of the 2025 Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands Golf Club in The Woodlands, Texas, on May 3, 2025. (Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
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It’s the unfortunate reality for some who don’t follow the rules, but the Masters is about unplugging and living in the present, which adds to the wonder and mystique that is the first major of the golf season.
