Unveiling the Masters Sanctuary: Disconnect from the World in a Bubble of Serenity
Securing a coveted Masters badge is a dream for sports enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond granting entry to the prestigious golf event, it offers a rare opportunity to escape the chaos of reality and immerse into a tranquil haven.
A ticket to the Masters, also known as a badge, is highly sought after and hard to come by. Those fortunate enough to get one understand that it offers more than just entry to a prestigious golf event; it also allows them to escape from the chaos of everyday life.
At Augusta National, the use of cell phones is not allowed, creating a unique experience where patrons become fully immersed in the tournament without distractions from the outside world.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 14: Scottie Scheffler celebrates on the 18th green after sealing his second major victory at the 2024 Masters in Augusta, Georgia.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 14: Scottie Scheffler celebrates on the 18th green after sealing his second major victory at the 2024 Masters in Augusta, Georgia.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
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Unflappable Scottie Scheffler secures his second Masters title with an impressive performance.
"It's like going on a hike up in the mountains, where there's no cell service," said Mike Rawl to CNN after attending his fourth major.
During these times of heightened international tensions, Augusta National feels like one of the most isolated places on earth. If you want to leave, that's the only way out. Otherwise, you'll have to face the Masters.
On Saturday, amidst the beautiful dogwoods and azaleas, most people were probably unaware of Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel. It was not a topic of discussion among the crowd.
Louisa Cranford, a millennial who has been attending the Masters for 13 years, confesses to spending four to five hours on her phone every day.
After finishing the course, she and her friend were shocked when they heard the news.
"We only found out about it when we got back last night," Cranford explained. "It was surprising because there were no alerts and nobody was talking about it."
It’s a unique position to be in. If you were watching the live broadcast of the golf game on Saturday in the US, you might not have known about the attack because the focus was completely on the game. There was no discussion of world events, and everyone was fully present.
The coverage was interrupted by CBS for a breaking newsflash, but if you were engrossed in the game, you might not have even noticed the interruption.
A general view of the sixth hole during the Par Three contest prior to the 2024 Masters.
A general view of the sixth hole during the Par Three contest prior to the 2024 Masters.
Warren Little/Getty Images
‘It’s a distraction’
Augusta National takes great pride in its traditions and is dedicated to preserving them. The club's former chairman, Billy Payne, spoke out in 2017 in support of the cell phone policy.
"I personally believe it is not suitable," Payne stated. "The noise from phones can be bothersome to both players and spectators. The ringing, talking - it can disrupt the atmosphere."
Two years later, Fred Ridley, who took over as his successor, also expressed support for the phone ban at Augusta. He mentioned that the patrons of Augusta National Golf Club value this policy. Ridley stated, "I don’t believe that’s a policy that anyone should expect is going to change in the near future, if ever."
The Masters is famous for its traditions.
The Masters is famous for its traditions.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
If you need to make a phone call while visiting Augusta, feel free to use the courtesy phones available at various locations around the golf course. The best part is that these calls are completely free of charge, no matter where in the world you need to reach. However, receiving information from the outside world can be a bit trickier.
Scottie Scheffler, the world's top player, won his second Masters title on Sunday. His wife, Meredith, is pregnant with their first child, due in a few weeks. During the tournament, Scottie mentioned to the media that he would not hesitate to pull out if needed.
"I know a way to get back home quickly," the American said confidently. "We have someone here who can use their cell phone, if that's okay with you."
With a subtle nod to the Augusta member beside him, it was clear they both understood that the rules about cell phones applied to everyone, not just the patrons.
‘It feels good to be disconnected’
Patrons cheer as Scottie Scheffler and his caddie, Ted Scott, celebrate on the 18th green after winning the Masters.
Patrons cheer as Scottie Scheffler and his caddie, Ted Scott, celebrate on the 18th green after winning the Masters.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Augusta's strict cell phone rules may be difficult to argue against. At many sporting events, it's common to see spectators watching through their phone screens as they capture the action.
However, there could also be a positive aspect to this enforced disconnect. Mental health experts suggest that excessive phone use can be harmful to our well-being.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Gary Player of South Africa plays his tee shot in the Honorary Starters ceremony prior to the first round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
On April 11, 2024, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, Gary Player from South Africa took part in the Honorary Starters ceremony before the beginning of the 2024 Masters Tournament. During the ceremony, he showcased his skills by playing his tee shot with precision and style. The moment was captured beautifully in a photograph by Jamie Squire/Getty Images.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
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At 88 years old, Gary Player, still lively at the 88th Masters, attributes his longevity to "undereating" and taking ice baths. He believes these habits have contributed to his long life. According to Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry, the constant presence of certain things can result in compulsive behavior and a feeling of reliance on them.
On Thursday morning, the news broke that the famous American football star O.J. Simpson had passed away. However, the patrons that CNN encountered on the golf course seemed completely unaware of this event that was making headlines worldwide. The constant flow of notifications and updates can sometimes create a feeling of urgency and a fear of missing out, which can lead to increased anxiety and stress.
Hidden from view until they reach their cars and switch on their phones while driving past Hooters and McDonalds on Washington Road, most visitors wouldn't even realize they were near Augusta National Golf Club.
The club itself feels like a separate world, a peaceful escape from the chaos and negativity of the outside world. Here, you won't find heated political debates about Joe Biden or Donald Trump around the 18th green. Augusta has a way of enchanting all who visit.
Rachelle Rawl told CNN that it's perfectly fine to disconnect and that it can actually feel quite nice.
Bob Nesbit, a long-time attendee of The Masters for 50 years, recounted a conversation with a friend who had attended earlier in the week.
"According to him, she found the experience of being without a cell phone to be truly liberating." "She was amazed by the three-hour break from her phone and being disconnected. She thought it was a wonderful feeling."
The world may be troubled, but for just a few hours on a Masters weekend, those troubles feel like a world away.
Editor's P/S:
The Masters golf tournament offers a unique escape from the digital distractions of everyday life. Without the use of cell phones, patrons can become fully immersed in the tournament and experience a sense of tranquility. This enforced disconnect can be a welcome respite from the constant bombardment of information and notifications that can lead to anxiety and stress.
In a world where we are constantly connected, the Masters provides a reminder of the benefits of disconnecting. It allows us to be more present in the moment and to focus on the things that truly matter. While it may be difficult to imagine going without our phones for an extended period, the experience of being disconnected can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating.
