Rare is the golfer who doesn’t light up when talking about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. The spiritual setting that warms the heart, the singular tournament that stirs the senses. The explosion of colors, the anticipation of a Sunday charge. A 12th hole that basks in beauty while serving as a devilish conquest, a green jacket that triggers dreams and lives on forever.
The gathering every April among the Georgia pines is matchless, from Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the Drive, Chip and Putt competition. While we won’t be seeing any of these events in the coming days due to the coronavirus pandemic, we think you’ll still be interested in reading about Masters traditions, the iconic holes at Augusta National and your favorite golfers who would have been in the field this month.
Golfweek surveyed 39 golfers, including 14 winners of the green jacket and 24 major champions in all, to get their views on certain features of Augusta National and the Masters. From putting to eating to predicting to offering their architectural viewpoints, we’ll roll out their takes on a variety of topics in the next 10 days.
Have you ever taken your phone onto the golf course?
“Yes. I used it on purpose on the 14th hole because I thought I broke my 9-iron on Wednesday underneath the grip. So I called the reps. One of the green jackets came up to me and said, ‘Hey, best not use your cell phone anymore.’ I knew the rule but the manufacturers leave on Wednesday and if I don’t get this done, I’m done. Desperate measures.” – 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson
“Yes, but it’s always on silent. I swear. And if I ever take it out, it’s like taking drugs out of your pocket, or something like that. I’m kidding. I don’t have drugs, but you know what I mean.” – Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy
“Not that often. And it’s never gone off. I remember one of my first Masters I was with Ian Poulter and we were posting a few pictures on Twitter and stuff and someone came out and told us to cease and desist.” – 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell
“Yes. It was for Trackman purposes. We always keep it quiet.” – 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson
“Yes, and it’s always on silent.” – 2015 PGA champion Jason Day
“My phone’s never gone off. And I’ve done some social media posts while I was on the golf course during practice rounds and people from Augusta National came to me and said, ‘Mr. Na, I’m sure your fans loved it, but we would appreciate it if you waited until after the round.’ How in the world did they know I posted photos?” – Kevin Na
“It’s never gone off at Augusta. No way. And it never will.” – 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose
“My phone has always been in my bag on the golf course but it has never, ever been out of my bag on the golf course. I’ve never had an issue there and I plan on keeping it that way.” – Bill Haas
“I take my phone with me everywhere. It always goes off, but I’m not an old person so I never have it on ring. And it has never, ever made a ring sound at Augusta National.” – Kevin Kisner
“My phone goes onto the golf course all the time. It just stays in my golf bag and it’s definitely on silent.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“No comment.” – Patton Kizzire
“It’s never rang.” – 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland
“Players always have their phones with them but it’s always on silent. I don’t ever want to hear my phone go off.” – Rickie Fowler
“It’s always in my bag. But it’s always turned off.” – Billy Horschel
“No. I’ve been so scared walking through the gate I’ve never come close to taking my phone onto the course. And I never, ever, ever will.” – Charles Howell III
Editor’s note: Check back each day for another Masters Survey.
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