Can the tournament keep your tech out?
By Jack Dawes on April 11, 2026
If you catch a broadcast of The Masters this weekend, you’ll likely see the talent of the players, the pristine course conditions, and spectators clad in green. However, one thing notably missing from the festivities is smartphones. Unlike many sporting events where attendees use phones to capture the excitement, The Masters prohibits recording and communication devices, including phones, tablets, and digital cameras. This rule is explicitly stated on their list of Prohibited Items.
Despite this ban, according to Golf Monthly, some attendees are using wearable technology to bypass the rule. The latest smartwatches from Apple and Google can send and receive texts and calls, while Ray-Ban Meta glasses can easily blend in as regular eyewear, especially under a cap.
In response to videos of people bringing in recording eyewear, golf reporter Daniel Rapaport has stated that Augusta’s no-phones rule should be updated to include wearable technology. He stressed the importance of maintaining The Masters’ mystique.
The Masters is likely to reinforce its policy to keep all devices out, believing it to be beneficial. The fans enjoying the event without the distraction of social media may prove this policy advantageous.