Staying on par: The do's and don'ts at The Masters Tournament

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

With those policies changing over the years, here are The Masters' 2024 guidelines patrons are required to follow:

Cell phones, cameras and electronic devices

Cell phones, laptops, tablets, beepers 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 - Sunday), but allowed on practice rounds days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

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 purses larger than 10"W x 10"H x 12"D (in its natural state)

• 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. *Note: 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

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

Tickets outside of The Masters: Buying, selling tickets could get you arrested

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.

Running is also prohibited.

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.

Souvenirs

All patrons may purchase souvenirs from stands located on the grounds, including a main merchandise building near the main concessions area near the first fairway. Merchandise may be purchased with cash, credit cards or personal checks.

Here are some prices of souvenirs in the outdoor golf shop at Augusta National:

• Baseball Caps - $20 and up

• Bag towels - $18 and up

• T-shirts - $29.50 and up

• Polo shirts - $75 and up

• Balls - $44 for a dozen, $11 for a sleeve of three

• Umbrella - $45

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, according to The Masters' website.

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

Patron photos

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

• Monday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

• Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Masters parking information

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 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.

Augusta officials announce new traffic patterns, real-time navigation app for 2024 Masters

• Patrons traveling from downtown Augusta should travel west on Washington Road and park in the Washington Road parking lot near the water tower. *Note: Left turns from Washington Road to Berckmans Road are prohibited in the morning.

• Masters patrons traveling from I-20 (exit 199) should travel east on Washington Road and park in lots on Berckmans Road.

• Patrons traveling from I-20 exits 195 and 196 / Wheeler Road, should travel north on Berckmans Road and park in either of the parking lots along that road.

Facilities for the physically impaired

Facilities for the physically impaired are provided, according to The Masters' website. For safety, it is suggested those using wheelchairs or similar transport use the hard surfaced roads and flat observation areas as much as possible.

A Personal Mobility Vehicle Policy has been established at the Masters Tournament for the safety of patrons and mobility vehicle users. Full details of the policy can be found at www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2019-12-03/personal_mobility_vehicle_policy.html.

Reminder: Those accompanying a physically impaired individual must also have proper credentials.

Recommended items

Average April temperatures in Augusta range from highs of 80 degrees to lows of 50 degrees.

• Skin protection: A hat or visor is advisable. Don't forget the sunscreen.

• Binoculars: Handy for watching action from a distance.

• Comfortable shoes: Augusta National is a hilly course, and the ground is slippery early in the morning or after it rains.

Who is in the field for the 2024 Masters Tournament? See all 88 players on the list

Lost and found

The lost and found station is located inside the Check Stand Building at the North and South Gates, according to The Masters' website. Lost and found is open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.

Any patron finding a lost item on the grounds should report it to the nearest security manager, who can deliver the item to lost and found.

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.

Health and safety

COVID-19 testing and face coverings are not required for entry at the 2024 Masters Tournament, according to The Masters' website. Proof of vaccination will not be required for patrons.

All in attendance are asked to self-monitor and stay home if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, according to the site. Frequent handwashing is encouraged, and hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout the grounds.

Note: In the event there is a change in public health conditions, requirements may be modified.

Services and spectator conveniences

Services available to patrons at the course include:

• Check stands

• Parking

• Lost and found

• Pairing sheets with course map and tee times

• Patron photos

• Information centers

• Spectator guides

• Telephones

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Rules patrons must follow at the 2024 Masters Tournament