Former Champion Golfer Kicked Out of Augusta National For Using Phone Ahead of Masters

The rules are the rules at Augusta National Golf Club.

Even for major champions.

Adam Schupak of Golfweek reported that Mark Calcavecchia, who won the 1989 British Open championship and competed in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008, was removed from the club grounds Tuesday because he used his cell phone.

Club rules state that patrons cannot use cell phones, laptops, tablets and two-way pagers. There is a bank of phones that can be used to make calls if necessary.

"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," Calcavecchia told Schupak.

His best career finish in the Masters came in 1988 when he finished in second place, but he will surely remember his latest trip to the historic course following this development.

The 2026 Masters begins Thursday as Rory McIlroy looks to defend his crown against a loaded field that includes Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka and many more.