Why Augusta's old-fashioned rules are what we all need

As a huge sports fans there are many events and moments that are must-watch. Whether it’s England in the Ashes, England's football teams at major tournaments or Reading competing for a trophy. OK, I admit that last one rarely – if ever – happens. Whilst all of them demand my attention when they happen, without doubt my favourite annual sporting event is golf's Masters. Each April, the Sunday night final round is essential viewing. So much so that it is in my calendar at the start of the year, to make sure I don’t have a social clash or book an early shift the day after.

Over the years though the tournament has also annoyed me greatly. The little quirks and demands of broadcasters seem antiquated and rather silly. From the demands of Augusta that commentators say ‘patrons’ instead of spectators, the gallery or the crowd. Or having to say the ‘second nine’ rather than the back nine. And don’t get me started on that awkward and weird jacket presentation in what looks like a Georgia sauna cabin!

This year, however, I have found myself falling for those quirks and being persuaded that it is what makes the Masters so special. Rory McIlroy touched on this in his winner’s speech again, but the ban of mobile fans for ‘patrons’ means that those watching are far more invested and are actually using their eyes to enjoy the spectacle, rather than living it all through a lens, to share to 5 people on YouTube.

And compare the crowd (I am not an official broadcaster so I can call them that!) with the rabble of yobs at the Ryder Cup. Here, amongst the manicured fairways and greens of this beautiful course, there were no regular shouts of ‘in the hole’ as someone teed off on a 550-yard par 5 where there is no chance the ball will reach the green, let alone the hole. Yes, there were a few moments of disruption to the players but nothing like the obnoxious and hateful football crowds of New York and Bethpage Black.

What it tells me is that the Augusta rules ARE needed. Telling spectators that they are not allowed to run does feel like school. But sometimes adults need to be treated like children (sadly). It is definitely worse since the pandemic, but it seems people have forgotten how to behave, and maybe all those people at Augusta welcomed a few hours without their devices to stare at inanely. Certainly, the players notice the difference, just like musicians do at those rare (but wonderful) gigs where mobile phones are banned. So, after years of grumbling at Augusta’s funny ways, I am now fully onboard, mainly because it seems adults need the control. Perhaps other events could try and follow its lead? It might make it better for everyone.