The Augusta National is probably one of the most secure sites, aside from wherever the president of the USA is, on planet Earth, and the course has some strict rules for patrons.
Once upon a time, people, especially locals, used to show up on practice round days laden with picnic baskets, folding chairs, coolers and even their angling equipment and a carton of nightcrawlers; but, those days are long gone.
Today, every square-inch of the grounds are monitored by surveillance cameras, and security personnel are highly visible as they monitor everyone’s activities, patrons and golfers alike.
It is not clear whether the photo making the rounds on social media supposedly of a man “who barely spoke English” bringing his own set of golf clubs to the practice rounds thinking his ticket allowed him to play a round himself is true or just an internet hoax, but patrons can’t play. They won’t even let you sneak off a quick putt, so leave the clubs behind.
Cameras are allowed on practice round days (Monday through Wednesday), but they cannot be an app on a phone. It has to be an old fashioned point-and-shoot camera.
To get that perfect shot, patrons must rely on their own skills or ask a tall person to take the photo over the crowd, as ladders, step stools, periscopes and “selfie sticks” are not allowed.
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Speaking of electronic equipment, the camera on practice days is the only electronic device other than pacemakers allowed. No laptops, iPods, Walkmen, Victrolas or other music devices. Cell phones are strictly prohibited, and if you want to be able to bring your laptop and try to con the boss into thinking you are working from home, think again.
If Junior is going to be attending with the family, be prepared to either put a leash on the toddler or carry him as strollers are not allowed. Service dogs covered under the American’s with Disabilities Act are allowed, but don’t think that Fifi, the toy poodle, will pass muster even if you are wearing dark glasses and carrying a striped cane.
Weapons of any kind are not allowed on the course, even with a permit to carry. In fact, being caught with a weapon could get you banned from the course for life.
Some people might want to leave their chair in place to head to the snack bar, but marking territory with a banner, flag or sign is not permitted. The good news is that your chair is safe to be left unattended. Theft is not a common occurrence at the National.
Speaking of chairs, patrons may bring their own, but they can’t be the tailgating version with armrests. In fact, no folding chairs with any sharp angles are allowed.
Patron who bring any type of bag should be prepared to have it searched and possibly measured. Any type of backpack and purse can be no larger than 10-inches wide, 10-inches tall, and 12-inches deep. Fanny packs that are small and compact are allowed.
There are no stories out there to be found of people being escorted off the course for inappropriate attire, but it has likely happened before without making the news, since the Augusta National is known for being sticklers on decorum. Patrons are asked to keep in mind that the Masters is not a scene from the movie “Happy Gilmore,” so it likely is not a good idea to pair a “koozie cap” with a Hawaiian flowery shirt and try to wear that onto the course.
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Golfer Jason Day, from Australia was politely chided by the club and asked not wear his sweater vest which was emblazoned with the brand name “Malbon” in huge letters. According to the PGA Tour, Day recently ended his endorsement deal with Nike and inked a deal with Malbon to wear their apparel, but he is going to have to follow the rules like everyone else.
Cleats or shoes with metal spikes are not allowed. While there is no official policy on clothing with political slogans , and the Supreme Court has ruled clothing may be considered free speech, it is not advisable to turn your MAGA hat backwards, the Augusta National is not bound to follow the Constitution in this case. “Business professional” attire is preferred.
Yes, the days of mom packing a picnic basket and dad loading up a cooler of beer before heading over to Magnolia Lane have gone the way of the “Masters Parade and Beauty Pageant.” Patrons can’t unfold a blanket and enjoy a bucket of cold fried chicken or mom’s special pimento cheese. In fact, you won’t even get past the gates with a basket.
The good news is that the food at Augusta National is renowned for its quality, and the pricing is stuck back in the year 1988 or so. Barbecue sandwiches, tomato pies, club sandwich, chicken salad and the “classic” chicken sandwich are all only $3, and the famous egg salad and pimento cheese sandwiches are only a buck fifty.
The course has several ponds, including Eisenhower’s pond, named for the former president, that are said to be brimming with bream, catfish and bass. However, it is bad form to show up and try out the newest in spinner baits during tournament week.
“We have actually had to tell people who had folded their gear up in a backpack to take the rod and reel back to the car and leave it there,” a former security person, wishing to remain anonymous, said.
So, even though you might be itching to try out your new Ronco “Pocket caster,” you might think twice.
Keep in mind that if you must go back to your car to stow unapproved items, it counts against your two allowed entries per day.
…And that is something you may not, but probably should, have known.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter, Editorial Page Editor and weekly columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
