Top 10 Bizarre Rules of the Augusta National Club

The Augusta National Golf Club is synonymous with one word: tradition. The home of the Masters is known to be one of the most custom-filled courses in the golf world. Run by a different set of rules and regulations than regular golf courses, Augusta stands apart from its competition. Their rules, despite ranging from bizarre to quirky, certainly leave the fans with a sense of intrigue. Explore with us the ten strangest rules of the Augusta National and why they exist.

Caddies wearing only white jumpsuits

Of course, it’s no coincidence that all the golfers’ caddies choose to flaunt white jumpsuits together while at Augusta. In fact, it is one of the course’s strictest rules, which first began in 1993 when it opened for play.

The tradition began because the Augusta National used to employ poor people from the local community to caddie in the early decades. And the generous members back then insisted on providing them with white jumpsuits so that they would look and feel smart!

In 1970, the rule that Augusta provided the golf pros competing at events with their own caddies changed, but the tradition that they should be donned in all white lived on. Hence, now all the caddies wear all-white jumpsuits with their golfers’ names at the back to show everyone whom they’re with.

No unattended guests at the Augusta National Club

At Augusta, guests are, of course, welcome! Just like other clubs, members of Augusta National are all permitted to take guests onto their grounds after having signed them in. But here’s where it gets weird: After the guests enter, at any given time they must be in close proximity to the member they have accompanied.

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Guests can’t strut across the course of the grounds of the club without the member being with them. Moreover, if the member for some reason needs to leave the grounds of the club momentarily, the guests too are forced to leave with him.

No running in the Augusta National Club

The fans can often be seen running around looking for the best viewing spot during golf events. But that behavior doesn’t fly at the somber Augusta National. In order to keep the classiness and history-filled vibe alive at the course, running on its grounds is a band. In fact, doing so is a grave violation of the rules and grounds for dismissal.

No hats worn backward

The classiness of the course is depicted through many of the bizarre rules of the National. And it doesn’t get any more inexplicable than not being allowed to wear caps backward at the course. Players and fans are not allowed to turn their hats backward while on the Augusta grounds so as to maintain the reputation of the course.

In 2011, Rickie Fowler was even asked publicly during a press conference at the course to turn his hat around and wear it the conventional way. This shows that the course is certainly more than serious about everyone following their rules!

No Woman Policy

Golf, of course, was known to be a man’s sport back in the day. Golf clubs were exclusive to men, and for the longest time, women weren’t even allowed on their grounds. Augusta too followed such rules, and its tradition of having only male members were strictly followed even as the decades passed.

It was only in 2012 that this finally changed, and Augusta National invited its first female member to its ranks. Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM during that year, was bestowed with a membership thanks to the company being a corporate sponsor of the Masters and Augusta and giving memberships to the sponsors’ CEOs.

No membership applications submitted; invite only

The exclusivity of the National is no secret. The prestigious and traditional club has one of the most coveted memberships in the golf world. But unlike other clubs’ memberships, things work a little differently at Augusta. Golf enthusiasts or even professionals cannot just apply for a membership to join the National’s cohort. They have to be invited!

Generally, a current member needs to nominate someone to become a part of the club. Such initiations are also only accepted in circumstances where someone leaves or passes away. The total number of members stays constant at around 300. Moreover, the more desperate you seem to join the club, the further you push yourself away from the chance.

No electronic devices allowed

The way Augusta keeps up with its heritage is by living it. On the grounds of the course, electronic devices are forbidden for both fans and players alike! Cell phones, beepers, and other electronic items are not allowed on the grounds. And with strict security and airport-quality metal detectors, the club enforces this rule like no other.

During practice rounds, cameras are allowed on the course, but it’s a big no-no during the events. The press, of course, is the exception to this. But they too need to stick to a firm set of rules while carrying their equipment around during competitive play.

No ticket to be bought

Unlike other sporting events and golf tournaments, the events held at Augusta have no tickets that can be bought. Instead, patron badges are available for events like the Masters. Such badges are the most coveted tickets in the sporting world, and they are passed down through generations in the family.

Paying a minor fee of $375 a year, patron badge holders have access to the entire week of the Masters for the rest of their lives. Upon their passing, the badge can be transferred to their spouse, thereby literally making it an heirloom.

Luckily for fans, in 2012, Augusta National began offering a limited number of tickets to each round and the practice rounds of the Masters through a lottery on their website. The cost of tickets for the practice round was $75, and for the event round, it was $115.

No fishing at the Augusta National Club

The 365-acre site of Augusta National is, of course, home to more than a few ponds and water hazards. With this, of course, comes the possibility of fish roaming in its waters. While many Tour pros have been seen pulling out fishing rods and casting into ponds while taking a break during rounds at Tour events, this isn’t allowed at Augusta National.

Don’t ask for an autograph

Unlike other courses that allow fans to run up to players while they’re taking a break or wrapping up a round, on the grounds of Augusta National, this is prohibited. During the practice rounds, the rules are a little relaxed ahead of the events. That’s the best chance fans have to get a signature from their favorite stars. But on match days, autographs are strictly prohibited anywhere on the course.

What do you think of these strange Augusta National rules? And do you know any that are strangers? Let us know in the comments below.

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