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Augusta National’s Strict Dress Code Claims Another Victim
Augusta National Golf Club has established a series of rules that govern the conduct of golfers and visitors, some of which are explicitly stated while others remain unwritten.
This week, Matt Thurmond, the head coach of the Arizona State University men’s golf team, experienced the enforcement of one such unwritten rule as he prepared for the 2025 Masters tournament.
Thurmond, who has been leading the Sun Devils since 2016, was escorted off the course during a practice session after he approached Kevin Yu, a former ASU golfer who is set to make his debut at the Masters this year.
It was later revealed that Thurmond was wearing shorts, a violation of one of Augusta’s key dress codes that mandates full-length pants for anyone on the course, particularly among players and their coaches.
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“I went out on the range without thinking, gave him a hug,” Thurmond recounted. In a conversation with Golfweek, he added, “After about one shot and one quick hello, they came out and said ‘I’m sorry, sir, you can’t be on the range with your shorts.'” This incident highlights the rigorous adherence to Augusta National’s standards, often referred to as the “golden rule.”
While patrons attending the tournament are permitted to wear shorts, those within the roped-off areas where players and coaches are present must adhere to a stricter dress code.
Thurmond accepted responsibility for his oversight, stating, “My bad, it was a mistake I made. I want to follow the rules here when I’m at Augusta and do everything right. Lucky to be here and appreciate everything here. I just made a mistake.”
This weekend, Thurmond is in Georgia to support ASU senior Josele Ballester, who qualified to compete in the Masters after winning the U.S. Amateur last August.
In addition to the pants rule, Augusta National has several other regulations regarding conduct on the course. For instance, the use of cell phones is strictly prohibited, and guests are reminded to refer to attendees as “patrons.” Recently, golfers shared with Golfweek some lesser-known, informal expectations at Augusta, which include wearing socks to dinner and refraining from pairing the iconic green jacket with jeans.
The combination of formal and informal rules contributes to the distinctive atmosphere of the Masters, reflecting the club’s long-standing traditions and deep-rooted values.
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