Being a major champion doesn’t exempt you from the Masters’ hardline no-phone policy.
That lesson was learned the hard way by 1989 British Open champ Mark Calcavecchia, Golfweek reported.
Calcavecchia was taken out of Augusta National Golf Club by security on Tuesday for using his phone, though not many details are known about the entire situation.
When Golfweek reached Calcavecchia for comment, he didn’t deny that he had been kicked out for breaking the rule.
Mark Calcavecchia of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the continuation of round one of the Insperity Invitational 2025 at The Woodlands Golf Club on May 03, 2025 in The Woodlands, Texas. Getty Images “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,” he said before hanging up on Golfweek reporter Adam Schupak.
Augusta National Golf Club has not publicly commented on the report.
The 13-time PGA Tour winner played in the Masters tournament 18 times during his career and finished as the runner-up in 1988.
Tuesday wasn’t the first time that a former pro was removed from the grounds.
Former tour player and Golf Channel broadcaster Charlie Rymer was caught using his phone and kicked out in 2011.
Mark Calcavecchia of the United States hits his second shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the Rogers Charity Classic at Canyon Meadows Golf & CC on August 17, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Getty Images Rymer was credentialed to cover the Masters for Westwood One radio when he exited the media center to talk on his phone. He was caught by security.
The ex-pro reportedly broke into tears, but security was unmoved by the situation and still forced him to leave.
Last year, Arizona State University men’s golf coach Matt Thurmond was removed from Augusta National for violating another one of the club’s strict rules.
Thurmond went to say hello to former ASU golfer Kevin Yu and was removed for wearing shorts on the course.
There are additional rules that will run someone afoul of Augusta National, including wearing socks to dinner. Pairing the green jacket with jeans and sitting on the range are both prohibited.
