Why are phones banned at the Masters golf tournament?
THE Masters is set to take place at the Augusta National Golf Course between April 10 and April 13.
It is expected that around 40,000 fans, or patrons (as they are known at Augusta), are set to see the action LIVE.
In-form Rory McIlroy is one of the favourites to win the competition this year, having never lifted the title at Augusta before.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is also among one of the names considered a favourite this year.
With such a prestigious tournament being watched by so many, there are a strict set of rules fans must stick to.
One of those rules sees phones BANNED from the course, with fans searched for devices on their way in.
Augusta also sees fans banned from bringing in their own food or alcohol, but many concession stands allow fans to purchase their own food and alcohol.
SunSport can reveal why phones are BANNED at the Masters.
Why are phones banned at the Masters?
Billy Payne, a former chairman at Augusta, said that phones are “a distraction” for fans looking to fully immerse themselves into the live action.
Anyone, who is not a player or media, found carrying a phone, will be REMOVED from the ground, and prohibited from buying tickets again.
Upon entry to the Masters at Augusta National, fans are greeted with metal detectors to ensure devices are not being snuck into the competition.
What else is banned at the Masters?
There is a list of items that are not allowed at the Masters, including:
- Bags
- Backpacks
- Purses
- Packages larger than 10 x 10 inches
- Alcohol purchased outside the course
- Beverage containters
- Golf shoes with metal spikes
- Flags
- Banners
- Signs
- Ladders
- Selfie sticks
- Radios
- Strollers
- Walkie-talkies
Moreover, if you are bringing a chair to the Masters, it must not have armrests, and must be collapsable.
Tickets for the event also cannot be sild within 2,700 feet of the ground.
If you are found selling tickets closer than 2,700, you face being arrested.
How to watch the Masters and is there a live stream
- Sky Sports has the rights for the golf, and will be showing it LIVE on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.
- Action is also available to stream on Sky Go or NOWTV.
- The Masters tournament will take place between Thursday, April 10 and Sunday, April 13.