Masters 2026: Major winner Calcavecchia thrown out after cell phone faux pas

At Augusta National, Traditions is not a suggestion, it's the law. Even a former major champion had to learn this painfully at the US Masters 2026. Mark Calcavecchia, a fixture in golf history, was banned from the course for violating the strict cell phone ban.

It is the most hallowed ground in the golf world, and the guardians of the Green Jackets make no exceptions - not even for honored guests with Major trophies in their closets. On Tuesday of Masters Week 2026, a prominent name made headlines away from the Fairways: Mark Calcavecchia, the 1989 Open winner, was expelled from the course by security at Augusta National Golf Club.

Here you can find the US Masters 2026 live scoring and leaderboard.

A call with consequences

Calcavecchia, now 65 years old, was on site as an "Honorary Invitee". As runner-up in 1988 and veteran of 18 Masters tournaments, he is actually part of the club's inventory. But when he was spotted on the grounds with his cell phone on Tuesday - while the current pros were preparing for the hunt for the Green Jacket - security couldn't take a joke.

The reaction of the former star concerned was dry as usual. When the US publication Golfweek later reached him by telephone to inquire about the background to his ejection, he indirectly confirmed the incident by abruptly ending the conversation: "I have nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so we should literally hang up right now," Calcavecchia told Golfweek.

Before an inquiry could be made, the line went dead - an almost ironic punchline for someone who had just been ejected from the field for using his phone.

Check out the US Masters 2026 Tee Times here.

The Augusta National "time capsule"

The punishment may seem draconian to outsiders, but at Augusta, the cell phone ban is part of the tournament's DNA. While fans (and often players) are constantly posting and streaming at other events, the Masters is like traveling back in time. Laptops, tablets and cell phones are strictly prohibited to ensure a "traditional atmosphere". Those who need to communicate rely on the iconic green AT&T phone booths dotted around the course.

Calcavecchia is in prominent company here. Back in 2011, journalist and ex-professional Charlie Rymer lost his accreditation because he only made a brief phone call outside the media center. Even family members of top stars are not spared: while Keegan Bradley's sister once managed to avoid being thrown out by crying, security at Calcavecchia remained firm.

More than just cell phone rules at the US Masters

The incident is yet another reminder that Augusta National is a place with its own rules. In addition to the cell phone ban, the following applies here:

• No running: Anyone walking too fast will be warned or disqualified.
• Strict dress code: Just last year, a college coach was kicked off the course for showing up to the range in shorts.
• No inverted caps: Etiquette requires the visor to be forward.

Whether Calcavecchia will be invited back next year as a guest of honor remains to be seen. However, it can be assumed that the dust will have settled by then - provided he leaves his smartphone in the car. The incident serves as the ultimate warning to all fans and guests: at Augusta, the game is bigger than any name, and silence on the course is sacred to those in charge.