Masters Traditions: Strict Rules, Affordable Concessions

The Masters Tournament kicked off Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, drawing thousands of patrons to the prestigious event known for its unwavering traditions, from affordable concessions to stringent rules of conduct.

As the first major championship of the year unfolded under clear skies, attendees navigated the club's iconic grounds, where cell phones, cameras, and outside food or drinks remain strictly prohibited. Violations can lead to immediate eviction, credential revocation, or a lifetime ban. This policy was underscored when Mark Calcavecchia, the 1989 British Open champion, was escorted from the premises earlier in the week for using his phone, according to reports from Golfweek. When contacted, Calcavecchia did not deny the incident but offered no further details.

The tournament's no-frills approach extends to its concessions, a hallmark that continues to surprise visitors amid rising costs at other sporting events. Pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches, menu staples since 1934, are priced at $1.50 each, unchanged since 2002. Other sandwiches, such as chicken salad or club varieties, cost $3, while the Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich is also $3....