Man Arrested Before 2026 Masters—Here's What Happened

The 2026 Masters Tournament began with its first round at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday.

Patrons flooded through the gates at Augusta National on Monday, the first day of Masters week. While most tournament goers presented their tickets for the iconic golf event, one man did not.

Matthew Stroud, 36, was arrested for refusing to leave the property after entering Augusta National's hallowed grounds without a ticket. The Easley, South Carolina native was "intoxicated" when he arrived at Augusta National’s North Gate on Monday, according to a report from The Augusta Press.

Stroud was asked to leave the property at around 11:00 a.m. local time on Monday after deputies said he was approaching patrons outside the North Gate asking for tickets to the practice round.

36-year-old Matthew Stroud, of Easley, was arrested Monday for a single charge of trespassing after being asked to leave Augusta National Golf Club Property. https://t.co/QCAmo6Jsf3 pic.twitter.com/5JkqIWivGa

— WSPA 7NEWS (@WSPA7) April 8, 2026

Stroud initially left the area when asked to do so, Richmond County Sheriff’s Capt. Scott Gay told The Augusta Press. He was arrested for criminal trespassing after his refusal to leave a second time.

Stroud was taken to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, where he was booked and eventually released on a $285 bond.

Ticketed patrons are enjoying a beautiful day at Augusta National on Thursday.

Sam Burns currently holds top position on the Masters leaderboard with a 5-under score through his first 16 holes of the tournament. Patrick Reed is in second place with a 4-under score through 14 holes.