Masters: Top 5 Times Pros Acted Against Augusta National Rules & Got Punished

Outlandish, to say the least, but some of the rules at the Masters had been anything but that. From the patrons not allowed to use any electronic devices to the VIPs of the golf world being expelled, the committee at Augusta National hasn’t spared anyone.

Today, the spotlight will be on some of the weird rules players broke, specifically Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter, Gary Player, and more, and the huge punishment they received. Be prepared; you will certainly be a bit appalled at many. Ask yourself, A big fat WHAT!?

5. 2011 Rickie Fowler

Starting with the most lenient punishment on the list, some might not even call it a punishment and see it more as a strict warning. In 2011, Rickie Fowler attended the pre-tournament press conference of the Masters wearing his Puma hat. The hat itself wasn’t the problem, but the way he wore it was. Fowler had it backward, which didn’t sit well with Augusta National member Ron Townsend

He asked him to wear it correctly, and Fowler explained he had done it so that people could see him better. But Townsend sent another glaring request and the young Folwer had to oblige. Notable to say that the 7-time PGA Tour winner has never made the mistake again, not just at Augusta but even at any other presser.

4. Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell

It was the same year when Fowler got the flak for his cap, and Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell received some stern words regarding their actions—shocking much? It was all in good spirits; Poulter and McDowell wanted to treat their fans (those who had never been to Augusta) to look at the breathtaking view that the course presented.

The two took the fans on a small tour of the locker room and Magnolia Lane. They posted photos and videos on X (formerly known as Twitter), which were soon noticed by the then-Masters spokesman Steve Ethun. The spokesman went on to tweet about their little tour and went on to highlight the rules for the following Masters round, saying that no phones and recordings were allowed!

3. Gary Player forgetting to return the green jacket 

In the 1962 Masters, Gary Player entered the field as the defending champion. It was the year when Arnold Palmer won his third Masters green jacket but it was not him who took it home; it was Player! As the defending champion, the 3-time Masters winner took it back with himself to South Africa. Later, he got a call from Clifford Robert, who sternly told him that only winners could take the green jacket.

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To which Player boldly replied, “Why don’t you come and fetch it?” Neither did Cliff go to SA nor did Player return it that year. However, Player promised to pack the green jacket into a plastic cover and never wear it until he returned it and won it back in 1974. The 9-time major champion’s relationship with the Augusta National Committee has never been great after his little stunt and he found it “terribly sad”.

Player insisted on playing at the course with his family and the committee didn’t allow him to play at it without a member present, which saddened the veteran. That’s not all. Player’s son, Wayne Player has received a lifelong ban at the Masters as he promoted a golf ball deal in 2021.

2. Frank Stranahan 1948 Masters

In 1948, Frank Stranahan was taken out of the Augusta National Golf Course for allegedly hitting two different balls during the practice round. However, Stranahan denied the accusation and said that he used many balls at the side of the greens but not during the round. The incident isn’t controversial because Starnahan was kicked out.

But as the rumors have it, Golf Digest reported that maybe he was expelled from the course because the golfer had developed a rather personal connection with the secretary of a member, probably Clifford Robert and he didn’t like it. To make it more intriguing, Stranahan didn’t deny the claims that rumors made when he was asked by Sports Illustrated in 1998.

1. Doug Ford 2001 

Traditionally, once a player becomes a Masters winner, he will have the lifelong advantage of getting the invitation for it until the end of time. Regardless, it is the benefit of winning the men’s first major. However, the Masters’ committee punished Ford for using this exemption in 2001.

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At the age of 78, Ford was still playing the Masters but for the last three decades, he had missed the cut. But even then, the pro remained steadfast, though the committee wasn’t pleased with him as he was still pocketing the money. And in 2001, Ford pushed the boundaries of the committee when he withdrew after making a double bogey.

He was soon asked to not play anymore, which he didn’t, and the Masters upheld the rule of the 65-age limit, just to retract it later. But now, though, it is up to the golfer, it is suggested not to play for long. Bid adieu to dreams of watching Tiger Woods play after turning 60.

These have been some of the bizarre rulings of the Masters throughout the year. Which shook you the most? Share it in the comments!

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