Why cell phones aren't allowed at Augusta National — and how rule got former Masters star ejected

Why cell phones aren't allowed at Augusta National — and how rule got former Masters star ejected originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Cell phones aren't allowed at Augusta National Golf Club.

That's the site of the annual, historic Masters Tournament, and the rule has pretty much no exceptions.

That includes a former Masters star.

Mark Calcavecchia was removed from Augusta on Tuesday for using a cell phone, according to Golfweek.

Calcavechhia's best Masters finish came in 1988, when he was runner-up to Sandy Lyle. He won a major the next year, the Open Championship at Royal Troon.

He played on four Ryder Cup teams for the United States, but even that didn't earn him the right to use a cell phone on the grounds at Augusta.

Why aren't cell phones allowed at Augusta?

This isn't just a Masters rule. It's all the time.

This is about the ambiance of a beautiful, exclusive club. Patrons aren't meant to be at the course on their phones, sharing moments seen through a screen.

Instead, patrons -- no, they aren't called fans here -- remain in the scene of what's happening around them.

It's refreshingly throwback.

There are phone banks at the course if anyone really needs to make a call.

And also: No running. That's another Masters rule that you won't find at other modern golf tournaments. Patrons have to walk to get where they're going -- at least they won't be looking down at a phone while doing so.

More Masters news:

• Bryson DeChambeau is using a 3D-printed club at the Masters
• Why Phil Mickelson is missing from the Masters
• How Hojgaard golfers are related
• Explaining the history of Amen Corner at the Masters