Augusta National's strict no-phone policy is a famous tradition. But how do patrons contact the outside world during Masters week? The club provides the solution.

"Complimentary phone banks are provided by the club, available for use throughout the property," The Masters confirmed.

These courtesy phone banks are the only communication option for patrons. Using the banks requires an old-fashioned touch. You need to either remember or write down the phone numbers of people you want to call.

In fact, the origin of these landlines dates back to the 1940s. At a time when less than half of America's households had landline connections, Augusta National had installed underground phone lines as a part of the Masters scoring system.

As per a 2024 New York Times report by Alan Blinder, "the club has barred fans from carrying cellphones onto its verdant grounds since at least 1993."

A Digital Reprieve on the Greens

"It’s a nice reprieve from the day-to-day," one patron noted about the silence. "Just taking it all in and focusing on nature and everybody here" creates a much deeper connection.

The players also notice the difference a phone-free gallery makes. They enjoy how pure the environment is, where it's just them and their caddy.

This engagement enhances the interaction between fans and players, especially on difficult holes.

Chairman Fred Ridley made it clear that this 'outlier' policy will become a permanent feature. He says positive comments have been received regarding the unique atmosphere.

The cellphone policy is enforced extremely strictly at Augusta. Anyone caught with a cellphone will be ejected and will be required to permanently give up their tickets to this and any future Master's tournaments.

The policy makes it possible for the Masters to be regarded as 'pure golf' by patrons.

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi