I Went To The Masters And Couldn't Believe These 10 Things You Can't Do At Augusta National

Augusta National, home of The Masters, is one of the world's most exclusive clubs and is proud of its traditions, many of which go back decades.

The club is unique in some of its ways and many of the patrons on-site each and every year have to abide by some strict rules, including not having cell phones on them around the property. 

There are a number of other things you can't do at Augusta National, as I found out when I attended The Masters. Luckily I didn't fall foul of any, but I was sure to be aware of them...

10 Things You Can't Do At Augusta National

1. No phones

There's a complete ban on phones and other electronic devices on the property at Augusta National Golf Club, thanks to the strict Masters cell phone policy.

If you’re spotted with a phone – even if it’s in your pocket – you will be asked to leave the premises. It's why when watching The Masters you won't see patrons filming and taking pictures of their favorite golfers. And they have people in among the crowds watching for any wrongdoing. 

Cameras are allowed but only during practice days.

Will the cell phone policy change to move with the times? Not while Fred Ridley is still chairman.

"I don't believe that's a policy that anyone should expect is going to change in the near future, if ever," he said. "I can't speak for future chairmen, but speaking for myself, I think we got that right."

There are a number of forbidden items patrons can't bring to The Masters, and cell phones are top of the list.

2. No running

You’re not allowed to run at Augusta National, which leads to quite an amusing scene when the gates open each day as 'patrons' power-walk to their viewing positions all over the course.

3. Chair policy

You’re not allowed to take anyone’s fold-up chair, even if it’s been unattended for hours, so the patrons rush to their favourite spot at the start of each day to lay down their marker. 

Augusta has many seating areas around the course where patrons can put down their Masters-branded chairs and leave them to come back to - the Masters chair policy has to be one of the coolest traditions in sport.

4. No sitting on the grass

You’re not permitted to sit down on the grass when watching The Masters. If you want to sit down, use a chair - that's what they're for after all!

5. No sunbathing

And similarly with sitting on the grass, you obviously can't lay down on the hallowed turf and take in some rays. That is strictly prohibited - you're there to watch the world's best golfers, not top up your tan.

6. Branded goods

Don’t think about bringing overtly branded goods to Augusta National as you won’t be allowed to take them on the property. 

At The Masters, you won't find many branded logos other than The Masters and Augusta National logos themselves. The Masters golf shop is undoubtedly the greatest shop in golf and most of the patrons will be wearing their subtle new caps, polos and quarter-zips on property.

7. No tipping

No tipping is allowed at Augusta National – a rule that dates back to the days of co-founder Clifford Roberts, who didn’t want members to be treated differently based on how much they tipped.

8. No coolers

The same goes for coolers or containers of any kind - not permitted. 

Food and drink is very affordable at The Masters, and it's great, so why would you want to bring your own? The iconic pimento cheese sandwich costs just $1.50.

Check out the full Masters concessions menu and prices.

9. Shoes on

In term of attire, you must wear shoes at all times on and around the course at Augusta National – bare feet are not acceptable.

10. Caps

Caps cannot be worn backwards whilst on the property.