Masters star speaks out on strict rule that got Major winner kicked out | Golf | Sport
Jacob Bridgeman has shed light on a minor issue with the Masters’ phone policy. Bridgeman made his Masters debut in 2026, finishing in a tie for 41st and revealing that his highlight of the memorable week was the Par 3 contest, where he played alongside Arnold Palmer Champion Akshay Bhatia and two-time 2026 winner Chris Gotterup.
The Masters is steeped in tradition, from its well-known tunnels and a newly built player services facility to, of course, its strict no-phones policy. “That’s probably my favourite thing,” Bridgeman told Mirror US Sports, referring to the no phones rule. “It’s a little bit difficult from our side communicating with people there, but once you get there, it’s amazing.
“Everyone’s locked in on golf. They’re super polite and appreciative of what they’re viewing.”
The ban on mobile phones preserves a timeless, classic atmosphere, with Bridgeman noting that well-known figures are free to wander the grounds without any concern about unwanted footage appearing online.
“Good shots are much more appreciated than some other events,” he explained. “Everyone’s not sticking their phone out trying to record everything. Some important people and celebrities can walk around and not worry about that. It’s one of the coolest traditions.”
On the Tuesday, he was ejected after being found using his phone on the grounds during a practice round.
First-time Masters participant Bridgeman played nine-hole rounds each day for four days in the build-up to his pursuit of the Green Jacket. “Not a whole lot,” Bridgeman replied when asked whether his preparation differed for the Masters tournament.
“I had more time. I took a couple weeks off before. I was able to go down there on Sunday and see more of the golf course because I hadn’t seen it as much as some of the other events. Practice time on the range was about the same as every week. I don’t do a ton of that, but I just played more golf.”
Bridgeman also confirmed that tunnels do indeed exist beneath Augusta National Golf Club.
“I hadn’t been in years before, but they would park guys near the range,” said Bridgeman.
“This year, they built a parking lot underground under the building. We drove in, parked underground, then walked right into the gym, physio areas, and cold plunge. Then we go up a level, that was our locker room. I didn’t know what the rest of that level was. The top floor was dining for family, players, and caddies. It’s an amazing building.”
The 26-year-old Genesis Invitational champion went on to praise the brand new player services building at Augusta National, describing it as truly spectacular.
“It’s something I’ve never seen before,” he said. “It was huge. I feel like they tried to make it appear smaller than it was. It’s massive.”
