A major champion has been disqualified from the Masters for violating the phone rule

Rules are rules, no matter who you are. Augusta National takes that idea seriously. Former major champion Mark Calcavecchia found that out the hard way at the 2026 Masters.

On the Tuesday of Masters week, Calcavecchia was kicked out of Augusta National for breaking a rule that is central to the identity of the club and the Masters. He used a cell phone in this area.

Here’s what you need to know.

Mark Calcavecchia was eliminated from Augusta National by using the phone

On the Tuesday of Masters week, competitors continue their extensive preparations in Augusta, while fans, past champions and other popular figures in the game area about the property.

Calcavecchia was among them. Although he never won the Masters, the 65-year-old finished second to Sandy Lyle in 1988. Calcavecchia made up for his Masters loss the very next year by winning the 1989 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

He is a respected figure in the game who played in four US Ryder Cup teams and won 13 PGA Tour titles and four PGA Tour Champions in his career.

But the veteran reportedly made a big mistake on Tuesday that he will truly regret.

According to a report from Golfweek’s Adam Schupak, Calcavecchia was ejected from Augusta National by Masters security on Tuesday for violating the cell phone ban.

Calcavecchia did not deny the report when reached Golfweeksaying, “I have nothing bad to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so I think we should literally hang up now.”

Masters strict rules on phones, behavior, and more

While Masters patrons are forced to hand over their phones before entering the gates at Augusta, that policy isn’t just for fans. It also applies to prestigious guests like Calcavecchia, past champions like Rory McIlroy and even members.

Even outside of Masters week, members and guests are not allowed to use cell phones in the history club.

This rule creates a unique atmosphere every April at the Masters than can be found in very few other places in the world today. AT&T provides a phone bank for patrons to use at the course if they need it.

But the no-phone policy isn’t the only strict rules the Masters must follow. While in many other tournaments fans will race to secure their favorite viewing spots on the course, running is not allowed in the Masters.

And for those who look at places. At the Masters, patrons will place folding Masters chairs in their preferred viewing area. You are not allowed to move the seat once it is in place, but you are allowed to sit on it. That happens until the owner returns. Then you have to return the place to them.

It’s not just phones that are banned at the Masters, cameras are too, at least on certain days. Although sponsors may bring cameras to the practice rounds to take pictures, they are not allowed in the tournament rounds.