Augusta National's infamous no-phone policy has claimed another victim. Former British Open winner Mark Calcavecchia was reportedly removed from the grounds during the 2026 Masters for violating the long-standing tradition.

Golfweek reported that security removed the 65-year-old from Augusta for using his phone during the Masters. However, the veteran golfer wasn't keen on divulging any details.

"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," said the 1989 British Open champion.

Golfweek revealed that the 13-time PGA Tour winner hung up before any other questions could be asked. Yet, he didn't deny that he was ejected either.

Cell phones, laptops, and tablets are forbidden at the club to maintain the traditional ambiance, and violators face immediate banishment and cancellation of their tickets.

Augusta National even has phone banks for those who need to contact someone during the tournament. So not even a single instance of cellphone use has been tolerated since the 90s.

A History of Strict Enforcement

Calcavecchia isn't the first person to be ejected, as the club is notorious for its strict technology rules for all attendees.

In 2011, broadcaster Charlie Rymer was asked to leave for using a cell phone, and an Augusta National representative confirmed that he had been sent home after the breach.

Another PGA Tour golfer, Keegan Bradley, recalled how his sister was caught with her phone. However, she was allowed to stay after putting the device in a secure place.

Such leniency wasn't an option for the major winner, who discovered the phone ban applies even to golf's icons.

Besides phone banks, Augusta National supplies a series of phones in collaboration with AT&T. However, any other kind of personal electronic device is banned.

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi