Even in 2025, the only phones at the Masters have cords

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Masters can feel like a time warp for some attendees, as it’s the rare opportunity to use a public telephone. Remember those?

The Masters offers rare opportunity to use public telephone

For some people, especially the younger generation who've never seen a phone with an attached cord, it’s a foreign sight. 

Thomas Abraham told The Associated Press that he had the rare opportunity to use a public telephone for the first time at the competition, which kicked off on Thursday.

"I've never used one before. I figured it out. If I had to use one of those (rotary) phones I probably would've had to ask my dad," he told AP.

The line at the public phone bank can stretch up to 10 people deep at the height of the Masters. 

Patrons use a courtesy phone during a practice round prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 04, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

And while they provide an outlet for those looking to touch base with the world outside of Augusta National's gates, there are some issues that come with them.

Like, remembering phone numbers.

Bill Kehoe, 50, from Raleigh, North Carolina came prepared.

As he approached the public phones, Kehoe whipped out a sheet of paper with a handful of names and numbers written on them with a black Sharpie. He picked up the receiver on the phone, punched in the number "1" to start the call and then looked down at the paper and entered the remaining numbers to complete the free call.

"I can’t even remember my own phone number, let alone anyone else’s number," Kehoe joked. "They're all saved in my phone."

Why does the Masters ban cell phones?

Dig deeper:

The Masters Tournament at Augusta National prohibits cell phones to preserve tradition, minimize distractions for players, and maintain a focus on the game. 

It's a long-standing policy that many patrons appreciate, allowing them to escape the constant notifications and distractions of modern life. 

Augusta National requires its patrons to leave their cellphones and other electronic devices behind. In place of those security blankets, there are several public telephone banks of those throwback devices from days gone by. 

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At some point, chances are, patrons check for their phone — patting their pockets, reaching for the clip on their belts, wherever it usually is.

And when they can't find it, well…

"It's kind of panic mode," Abraham said. "We were at 18th (hole) and I went to reach in my pocket and it wasn't there. Then I remembered it's in the car."

While not having a cellphone is an inconvenience for some, others have come to relish the liberating feeling of being disconnected from the world for a little while.

"Is not having a phone a pain?" O'Connor said. "No, I think it's actually good for me. Those emails will be there when I get back home."