The Masters strict phone rule explained as Mark Calcavecchia ejected from Augusta

Much gets made of the tech-free atmosphere at Augusta National come Masters time, with many patrons and players counting the fact that no electronic devices are allowed on the course grounds as part of its analogue charm.

As such, it's rare that anyone is caught trying to sneak a call or a look on their phone. It's even rarer that said person is a player themselves, however such a fate befell 1989 Masters runner-up Mark Calcavecchia, who made headlines on Tuesday after being escorted from the premises at Augusta National for using his phone.

Augusta National, of course, is not the only golf club in the world to enforce no-phones policies. Many prestigious private courses in particular ask that guests refrain from using their phones in the clubhouse. 

However the home of The Masters is one of the strictest, and extremely active in enforcing it, as evidenced by its zero-warnings approach in its treatment of Calcavecchia.

So how exactly does Augusta's no phones rule work?

While as we mentioned, plenty of strict golf courses restrict the use of mobile phones on certain parts of the premises, Augusta National takes things one step further by banning the use of phones on all areas of the property – a rule that extends to players, patrons and staff alike.

Patrons visiting Augusta National to watch The Masters are are required to check their electronic devices in upon arrival, after which they won't be able to access them until the end of day's play or when they choose to leave the premises. 

Courtesy phones are available on the side of the course (offering free calls anywhere in the world) if patrons need to keep in touch with the outside world.

Players and members must place their phones and electronics in their lockers for the duration of their time on the grounds. 

Does it include other electronic devices?

Yes. Per Augusta's patrons guide, the ban extends to all devices capable of transmitting images and video"laptops, tablets, beepers, drones and other electronics, including devices capable of transmitting photo/video, are prohibited."

Cameras are allowed on Wednesday's practice day, however they are then banned for the four days of tournament play.

Are there any exceptions?

Discreet wearable electronics, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are the one exception to this rule, and are allowed out on course. 

There is a growing grey area also developing regarding the use of smart glasses, such as Ray-Ban's Meta glasses, which are becoming an increasingly common way for patrons to circumnavigate these strict rules.

Golf reporter Dan Rapaport told The Sports Agents podcast that he's seen "a tonne" of people wearing these new glasses, and is one of many who have called upon Augusta to update their policy to include a wider range of devices.

What are the punishments if you're caught?

While it's unlikely a patron or a player would be caught with their phone in the first place, the typical penalty for being caught by an Augusta security guard on your phone is immediate removal from the grounds. 

It's unclear if a member of The Masters field caught on their phone would be barred from taking part in that week's event, but it seems likely.

There are, however, more severe penalties if you're caught sharing content captured on a device. Should Augusta National find it, you can expect a lifetime ban from the property and future Masters events.

Has anyone been caught with their phone before?

While Calcavecchia is the first former Masters participant to fall afoul of Augusta officials on this matter, a few people have made headlines after being caught on their phones in the past.

Former Golf Channel analyst Charlie Rymer, covering the tournament in 2011 for a local radio station, was caught making a call outside of the media centre and barred from the property. 

Keegan Bradley also told Golfweek that his sister was once threatened with removal after being caught on her phone in the clubhouse. "They were going to kick her out and she cried, and they let her put her phone in a safe and stay," Bradley recalled.