The Masters is a tournament steeped in tradition.
From the super-cheap food to the blooming azaleas and perfect greens, Augusta National has become a pilgrimage for golf stars and patrons alike.
Such is the allure of The Masters, that those who attend the annual event are often left in awe of the unwritten rules and rituals not found at any other major sporting event in the world.
Famously, there is a complete ban on phones and other electronic devices – including cameras – during tournament days, and running is also strictly prohibited.
There are even restrictions around clothing on the course, and caps cannot be worn backwards whilst on the property – Rickie Fowler was told about that twice by an Augusta official in 2011.
Many of the rules are well-known these days, and some even extend to the commentary booth.
According to broadcaster Brandel Chamblee, those covering the event are not allowed to use certain words and terms on the call.
“There are things you shouldn’t say,” Chamblee began, on the Fore Play podcast.
“You know, fan is a big one. In their eyes, it’s short for fanatical. And they don’t want to refer to the people that are out there as being fanatical.
“That’s why you hear people say patron. You could probably say spectator.
“You don’t say driving range. It’s a tournament practice facility.
“You could probably get away with ‘back nine’. You know, the saying is that The Masters doesn’t begin until the back nine on Sunday. But if you said back nine on the air, you would get reprimanded.
“Because it’s the second nine. You don’t want somebody to say, he’s playing the backside really well. Because back nine is close to backside.
“And backside is just far too colloquial.”
Chamblee went on to recall a story about a broadcaster being caught out by the ‘back nine’ on air, before praising the likes of Jim Nantz and Verne Lundquist for nailing the tone at The Masters.
He continued: “Somebody famously said, ‘What’s giving him problems here is the wind from his backside.’
“You know, it (sounds) the same. If you go to the live telecast, it very much has that front porch, sweet tea, talking to your grandmother feel to it. And that is by design.
“We get these great calls by Jim Nantz and Verne Lundquist – and back then it was Ben Wright. You know, they’re judicious in their word choice. And it’s softer, it’s slower, and it’s more reverent.
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“I think that’s a big part of the reason why it’s the best golf tournament of the year, I would argue.”
Chamblee has not been the only person discussing the Augusta rules in recent days.
Legendary broadcaster Bob Bubka, who has covered The Masters for 40 years, revealed the craziest rule golf fans don’t know about.
Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, who is looking to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the tournament this year, was summoned by officials to discuss a possible disqualification on his debut in 2009.
The Northern Irishman, who has since gone on to make 16 more appearances, has stormed into contention at the top of the leaderboard this year ahead of Saturday’s play.
