10 Things You Can't Do At Augusta National

Augusta National, annual host of the Masters, has some fairly strict rules and regulations

Chairs at The Masters around the 16th green
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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 we explain here...

1. No phones

Patrons use the pay phones at The Masters

Need to make a phone call at The Masters? Use one of the on-site phones

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There's a complete ban on phones and other electronic devices on the property at Augusta National Golf Club. 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.

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.

3. Chair policy

A seating area at The Masters

Don't sit in anyone's seat at The Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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.

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.

6. Branded goods

A Masters umbrella

You won't find many non-Masters logos at Augusta National

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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 Masters concession stand

The legendary Masters sandwiches are very reasonably priced

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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

A patron wearing a Masters cap

Caps must be worn round the right way

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Caps cannot be worn backwards whilst on the property.

Nick Bonfield
Content Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, commissioning and feature writing. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

With contributions from