Masters rules include no phones, no cameras during tournament rounds and absolutely no running

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Augusta National Golf Club, home to the annual Masters Tournament, is known to have strict policies and regulations for patrons.

One of them is that running is never allowed on property.

While some policies have changed over the years, the Masters does have its latest guidelines for 2024 posted online on the Patron Info page on the tournament’s official website.

Cell phones, laptops, tablets, beepers (anyone still have one of those?) and other electronic devices capable of transmitting photos or videos are strictly prohibited on the grounds at all times, according to The Masters’ website.

Cameras are strictly prohibited on Tournament days (Thursday through Sunday), but they are allowed on practice rounds days on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, which is also the Par 3 Contest.

Devices such as fitness tracking bands and electronic watches are permitted. However, using the devices for phone calls, emails, text messaging and other photo, video or data recording is prohibited.

Anyone violating this policy will be subject to removal from the grounds and the permanent loss of credentials (tickets).

Prohibited items

• Bags, backpacks and large purses
• Knives and weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
• Radios, TVs, noise and music-producing devices
• Chairs/seats with pointed ends, folding armchairs and rigid-type chairs. (Any chair on the property when the gates are closed or 30 minutes after play will be considered an abandoned item)
• Flags, banners and signs
• Strollers
• Food, beverages and coolers
• Golf shoes with metal spikes
• Ladders, periscopes and selfie sticks

The Masters Tournament Committee may prohibit other items at its discretion. All items are subject to search.

Ticket sellers, buyers beware

Anyone caught buying, selling or handing off tickets within a 2,700 foot boundary around the Augusta National could face misdemeanor charges or get a ride in a police car.

Number of gate entries limited per ticket

A Masters policy that limits the number of gate entries per ticket or badge went into effect in 2017.

Patrons are allowed a maximum of two gate entries per day. Additional entry will not be permitted.

The policy applies to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship final round, the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, all practice rounds and all tournament days. This policy allows fans who make purchases in the Golf Shop to store those items in their cars and then return to the course.

Methods of payment accepted

All facilities at Augusta National Golf Club are cashless, according to the Masters’ website. Credit card and debit card are the only accepted methods of payment at concession stands, merchandise shops and shipping locations.

Autographs

Autograph-seeking is only allowed in areas adjacent to the Tournament Practice Area and on the Par 3 Course during the Par 3 Contest.

For player safety and protection, there is a no autograph policy enforced on the golf course.

Photos

Patrons may have a photo taken at Founders Circle, free of charge, Monday through Sunday.

Parking

Free parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Signs will direct patrons to entrance gates.

In attempt to make travel and parking easier for patrons this year, Augusta National Golf Club also created an official Masters QR code.

The Masters QR code is shown during a press conference at the Augusta, Georgia, Traffic Management Center ahead of the 2024 Masters. (Photo: Katie Goodale/USA TODAY)

The code, which has already been sent out to patrons, will open in a navigation app of the user’s choosing and provide real-time traffic and parking updates to help patrons get from point A to point B with less hassle.

Changes to the roads will be sent to the navigation apps in real-time, as diversions or closures are implemented.

Recommended items

Average April temperatures in Augusta range from highs of 80 degrees to lows of 50 degrees. The Weather Channel predicts a 50 percent chance of rain Friday, but sunny skies Saturday and Sunday with high temperatures holding steady at about 80 degrees.

Patrons are encourage to bring:

• A hat or visor
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Comfortable shoes (Augusta National is a hilly course, and the ground is slippery early in the morning or after it rains)

Animals and pets

No animals or pets are allowed on the grounds except animals necessary and specially trained to assist or guide the physically impaired, according to The Masters’ website.