It’s all about tradition, and it’s defined by a set of odd rules
and customs that just don’t exist outside of Augusta National.
Here are some of the oddest traditions that make the Masters and
Augusta one of a kind.
- Food prices are ridiculously low and tipping is banned. Sandwich prices range from $1.50 for egg salad or pimento and cheese and a ham and cheese on rye is $2.50.
- Cell phones are prohibited at all times and cameras are not
permitted during the tournament. - It’s one of the only places in the U.S. where there are long lines for payphones.
- Only four minutes of commercials per hour are allowed during the broadcast and no blimps are allowed.
- Until 1983 players had to use local caddies, and even today, players’ caddies must wear the white Augusta National jump suit and a green Masters hat.
- Fans are called patrons and can’t wear their hat backwards.
- The rough is referred to as the second cut.
- Patrons can bring in collapsible Masters chairs, but they must not have armrests (this reporter has that chair and brings it every year, and no one else has ever sat in it while I walked around the course—I place it on the first tee to get pictures of everyone teeing off on the Wed. practice round that I get a pass to attend as a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America.)
- There is a huge fence around the entire property. Only one deer has been spotted on the course in 65 years.
- There is a house in the middle of the parking lot. The owners refuse to sell even after being offered millions.
- Don’t apply for membership. The only way to become a member is to be nominated by a current member. The membership is about 300 and most memberships have been passed down through inheritance.