The Masters is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the entire world. A large number of golf fans are disappointed to see the lack of decorum at this year’s tournament.
However, it should be noted that one viral image posted on social media does not reflect impropriety from inside the grounds.
There are still rules that golf fans must follow at The Masters. And violations will not be tolerated, even if the pendulum continues to swing further and further away from prestige.
Augusta National Golf Club is held in the highest regard.
Approximately 40,000 patrons flock to Georgia each spring to walk the meticulously manicured grounds at Augusta National Golf Club. Those who are lucky enough to be awarded tickets through the highly-competitive lottery system take great pride in how they dress and how they act.
The Masters, like the club, is very particular in how it protects its image.
Patrons are required to follow a specific set of rules and regulations if they don’t want to get kicked out. Even the television broadcasters like Jim Nantz are not allowed to use specific phrases on the air.
The Masters has a strict set of rules.
Some of the mandatory guidelines for patrons include:
- NO RUNNING
- Patrons must remain calm and orderly. No rushing between holes.
- RESPECT THE PLAYERS
- Absolute silence is required during shots. No talking, cheering or distractions.
- No heckling or disrespectful commentary.
- NO AUTOGRAPHS
- Players are not to be approached for autographs while on the course.
- STAY OFF THE GRASS
- Ropes and signage must be obeyed at all times.
- ARMLESS FOLDING CHAIRS ONLY
- They must be placed so they do not block a view.
- NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK
- Concessions only!
- PROPER ATTIRE REQUIRED
- Shoes must be worn at all times
- No heels or spikes
- No backwards hats
- No shorts, denim or five-pocket pants
- Shirts must be tucked at all times
- Shoes must be worn at all times
- NO PHONES ALLOWED
- Cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
There are a few exceptions to some of these rules. For example, TikTok influencer Rylee Arnold was allowed to use her phone to film video for social media during the practice rounds and Par-3 contest because she was in attendance as part of the “media.”
However, former British Open champion Mark Calcavecchia did not receive an exemption and was removed from the grounds on Tuesday for using his phone. Not even he got a pass.
Is decorum on the decline?
With all of these rules in mind, many fans at home were disappointed to see how The Masters presented itself during the Par-3 contest on Wednesday. They were not happy with Arnold’s exemption. They were even more upset with the increased presence of non-golf celebrities like Jason Kelce and Kevin Hart.
It will be interesting to see whether Fred Ridley, the Chairperson of Augusta National Golf Club, regrets his decision to allow Hart and Kelce to play such a prominent role in the days leading up to the actual golf tournament. He spoke about the ever-changing environment of media and admitted regret for allowing Dude Perfect to play frisbee golf with Bryson DeChambeau on Amen Corner a few years back.
Perhaps this will be the same. We’ll see…
Other frustrations amongst the fans include the rollout of new merchandise that does not reflect the high-class reputation of the tournament. Take this hat, for example:
As this decorum dialogue reached its peak, two photos from Augusta National went extremely viral on social media. They depict a college student with a backwards hat and untucked shirt giving the middle finger to a cellphone camera in front of The Masters sign.
As you could imagine, golf traditionalists were outraged. How could this be allowed?!
Well, technically, it wasn’t!
These photos were captured outside of the grounds, not inside. It is unlikely that either person in the Instagram story posts had tickets to the event. And if they did, I would imagine The Masters will now revoke their privileges. Don’t worry!
Even if The Masters are more lax with who they allow to do what, this kind of disrespectful behavior is still not tolerated. A standard still exists but the concern is that the goalposts will continue to move even further away from decency.