{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreihhh2zdrp4muaaemd4wjcfaw7zl6tgzeguepakvtv4ktvbzbfvo24",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2sgmupx6z2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreia7c5uwxda27sakoco33asjffkgel4z5pcfkpzuelu7muvweka2ne"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 49419
  },
  "path": "/sport/golf/mark-calcavecchia-kicked-out-masters",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-09T11:32:57.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Red Rum trainer's grandson to make Grand National debut with good luck charm",
    "Jamie Carragher tears into Liverpool with ultimate insult as season worsens with PSG defeat",
    "Nike admits World Cup kit flaw as England shirt among those affected despite huge price",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nMark Calcavecchia, who claimed The Open Championship title in 1989, was removed from Augusta National this week after breaching the venue's stringent mobile phone rules.\n\nThe 65-year-old American had been present at the Georgia course as an \"honorary invitee\" ahead of the 2026 Masters, a privilege extended to him as a major championship winner.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSecurity personnel escorted Calcavecchia from the premises after discovering he had violated the device ban, according to Golfweek.\n\nThe incident occurred during the practice round days leading up to this week's tournament, where Augusta National maintains some of the most rigorous spectator regulations in professional sport.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nCalcavecchia competed at the Masters on 18 occasions between 1987 and 2008, with his finest performance coming in 1988 when he finished as runner-up.\n\nWhen Golfweek contacted the former champion by telephone following his removal, he refused to speak ill of the tournament organisers.\n\n\"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 reportedly told the publication when questioned about what had transpired.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHis ejection demonstrates that Augusta National applies its rules uniformly, regardless of a visitor's standing within the game or their history with the tournament.\n\nAugusta National enforces numerous regulations designed to safeguard its reputation as one of the world's most exclusive sporting occasions.\n\nVisitors, whom the club refers to as \"patrons\" rather than fans or spectators, are required to surrender their mobile phones before entering the grounds.\n\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Red Rum trainer's grandson to make Grand National debut with good luck charm\n  * Jamie Carragher tears into Liverpool with ultimate insult as season worsens with PSG defeat\n  * Nike admits World Cup kit flaw as England shirt among those affected despite huge price\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe prohibition extends to laptops and tablets, with organisers determined to preserve a traditional ambience throughout the event.\n\nFor those needing to make calls, a collection of old-fashioned telephones has been installed around the course.\n\nBeyond the device restrictions, Augusta imposes a strict dress code, forbids running anywhere on the property, and bans all commercial branding and sponsor logos from the premises.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPatrons face having their tickets revoked for the entire week if they breach any of the extensive rules in place.\n\nCameras are permitted solely during Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday practice sessions, and only for taking still photographs rather than video footage, with all photography equipment banned once competition begins.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAutograph requests must be confined to the practice area, with players off-limits while on the course itself.\n\nOutside food and beverages are prohibited, though concession prices remain affordable, and each visitor may bring a single collapsible chair.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSpectators are forbidden from booing or jeering poor shots, whilst applauding excellent play is welcomed.\n\nLast year, Arizona State University coach Matt Thurmond was removed for wearing shorts whilst greeting former student Kevin Yu on the practice range.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Golf star kicked out of Masters after breaking strict rule"
}