The first full week of April hosts the Masters Tournament, one of the four major events of the year. In contrast to the other majors, it is held at the same storied Augusta National Golf Club every year. The Masters Tournament, founded in 1934, is an official money event on the PGA, European, and Japanese golf tours. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts an invitation-only event; therefore, there are fewer players than in the other majors.
The location was once an indigo plantation in the early 1800s, and it has been a plant nursery since 1857. Bobby Jones enlisted Alister MacKenzie's assistance in designing the course in 1931, but he died before the first Masters Tournament, even though the course officially opened in 1933. The Masters winner is awarded a famous green jacket, which must be worn in compliance with strict rules and restrictions. Many players, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson, have won numerous titles on the course.
What is prohibited at the Masters Tournament?
According to the official website of the Masters Tournament, the following items are prohibited:
| Category | Prohibited Items | Notes |
| Electronic Devices | Cell phones, laptops, tablets, beepers, drones | No transmitting photo/video |
| Audio/Visual | Radios, TVs, noise/music devices, cameras | Cameras allowed Mon-Wed only |
| Weapons | Knives, weapons (regardless of permit) | Strictly prohibited |
| Signs & Banners | Flags, banners, signs | No viewing interference |
| Seating | Chairs with pointed ends, folding armchairs, rigid chairs, strollers | Use Masters-branded chairs |
| Food & Beverage | Outside food, drinks, coolers | Affordable concessions available |
| Footwear | Golf shoes with metal spikes | Wear appropriate shoes |
| Accessories | Ladders, periscopes, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks | Not allowed on course |
| Bags | Backpacks, bags, purses larger than 10” x 10” x 12” | Must be in natural state |
Electronic watches and fitness tracking bands are examples of allowed devices. But it's against the rules to use these or any devices for text messaging, phone conversations, emails, or any other kind of photo, video, or data recording and/or transmission.
The Masters' website clearly states:
"The Masters Tournament Committee may prohibit other items at its discretion. All items are subject to search. Violation of these policies will subject the ticket holder to removal from the grounds and the ticket purchaser to the permanent loss of credentials (tickets)."
What are the rules for patrons at Augusta?
Several rules must be kept in mind by the patrons while visiting the Augusta National Golf Club during the event of the Masters Tournament. As per Golf Monthly, following the are rules:
| Rule | What’s Allowed | What’s Not Allowed |
| Phones | Pay phones on-site | Cell phones, electronics (removal if caught) |
| Running | Power-walking | Running anywhere on the course |
| Chairs | Masters-branded chairs | Taking unattended chairs |
| Sitting | Sitting in a chair | Sitting on grass, lying down |
| Branded Goods | Masters/Augusta-branded items | Other overtly branded goods |
| Tipping | Not applicable | Tipping is strictly banned |
| Coolers | Masters concessions available | Coolers, outside food/drinks |
| Shoes | Shoes at all times | Bare feet |
| Caps | Forward-facing caps | Backward caps |
Why are phones not allowed at Augusta?
As Billy Payne, former Augusta National chairman explained in 2017 regarding the ban on phones:
"That’s not going to change while I’m chairman. I just don’t think it’s appropriate. The noise is an irritation to not only the players, the dialing, the conversation. It’s a distraction and that’s the way we’ve chosen to deal with it.”
Following Payne in 2017, Fred Ridley took up the position and released a remark about it in 2019. He believes that "patrons appreciate our cellphone policy" and that the Masters Tournament has become the sole exception to not allowing cell phones. To be precise, he said (via NBC):
"I know that we have now become an outlier, if not the only outlier in golf, as well, at allowing cell phones."
Are jeans allowed at the Masters?
There are no specific instructions about not wearing or appropriateness of jeans or denim as per the website of the Masters Tournament. However, it does advise that since April temperatures fluctuate from highs of 80°F to lows of 50°F, the patrons should dress correctly for the weather and think about wearing light layers.
Footwear should be water-resistant and comfortable with no spikes or pointed heels. Further, everyone is expected to comply with all tournament rules, signage, and verbal directives from tournament officials, as well as to exhibit traditional practices of etiquette, appropriate dress, decorum, and demeanor.
Can you take pictures at the Masters?
As per the website of the Masters Tournament, on practice round days (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), cameras are permitted (for personal use or photography only).
Also read: How Many Rounds Are in the Masters?
FAQs on What isn't allowed at the Masters?
A. Yes, Apple Watches are allowed at the Masters Tournament, as they fall within the criteria. Though they must be used within the guidelines, which only limit them to check time.
A. The cell phone policy of the Masters Tournament considers them to be a distraction for golfers and patrons alike, as per Bill Payne, former Augusta National chairman.
A. There is a long list of prohibited items as per the Masters Tournament website, though the major ones are electronic and audio/visual devices, weapons, signs and banners.
A. Cameras are allowed only on the practice rounds and not afterwards. However, there are professional photographers at designated areas to click and give for free.
A. Yes, umbrellas are allowed at the Masters Tournament.
