Golf Coach Ejected from Augusta National for Breaking Strict Dress Code Rule
In a surprising turn of events at Augusta National Golf Club, Arizona State University (ASU) men’s golf coach Matt Thurmond was escorted off the premises on Monday, April 7, 2025, after violating one of the club’s most stringent rules. The incident, which occurred ahead of the 2025 Masters Tournament, has sparked discussions about Augusta’s unyielding traditions and the pressures they place on players, coaches, and patrons alike. Thurmond’s misstep—wearing shorts on the practice range—underscored the club’s commitment to its storied dress code, a rule that has caught many off guard despite its long-standing enforcement.
Thurmond, who has been at the helm of the ASU Sun Devils golf program since 2016, was at Augusta to support his star pupil, Josele Ballester, a two-time All-American and the reigning U.S. Amateur champion. Ballester earned his spot in the Masters field, marking his debut at the prestigious event alongside golfing giants like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas. While on the Tournament Practice Facility, Thurmond spotted former ASU player Kevin Yu, who was making his own Masters debut. Eager to reconnect, Thurmond approached Yu for a quick hello, unaware that his attire would lead to an abrupt exit. Augusta National’s rules explicitly prohibit players and coaches from wearing shorts in practice areas or on the course, a policy rooted in the club’s emphasis on decorum and tradition. Patrons, however, are permitted to wear shorts, a distinction that often catches newcomers off guard.
The moment Thurmond stepped onto the range, an Augusta official intervened. “I went out on the range without thinking, gave [Yu] a hug,” Thurmond later recounted. “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.’” The coach was promptly asked to leave the practice area, an embarrassing moment for someone of his stature in the golfing world. Thurmond took the incident in stride, sharing a lighthearted post on social media: “Strolled out onto the Augusta range today with my coach badge. Got removed for wearing shorts. First bogey of the week. Celebrated with an egg salad sandwich. Pants tomorrow.” His humorous response, including the mention of enjoying a classic Masters snack, showed his ability to laugh off the gaffe while acknowledging his mistake.
Augusta National is renowned for its strict regulations, which extend far beyond dress codes. The club bans cell phones on the grounds—Thurmond’s post came after he left the property, as he had to surrender his phone upon entry. Other rules include referring to spectators as “patrons,” prohibiting running, and even disallowing patrons from lying on the grass or removing their shoes. These policies, enforced by Pinkerton security guards, are designed to maintain the club’s pristine image and uphold its traditions, but they can create a rigid environment for those unaccustomed to such expectations. For coaches and players inside the ropes, the dress code is particularly stringent, requiring full-length pants at all times, even during practice sessions.
Thurmond’s ejection wasn’t the first time Augusta’s dress code has made headlines. In 2022, golfer Talor Gooch was similarly reprimanded for practicing in shorts, quickly returning in trousers to comply. The incident with Thurmond, however, highlights the challenges of navigating Augusta’s rules during the high-stakes atmosphere of the Masters. For Thurmond, the moment was a humbling reminder of the club’s expectations. “My bad, it was a mistake I made,” he admitted. “I want to follow the rules here when I’m at Augusta and do everything right. Lucky to be here and appreciate everything here.”
As the Masters unfolds, all eyes will be on Ballester and whether he can make his mark on golf’s grandest stage. For Thurmond, the lesson is clear: at Augusta National, tradition reigns supreme, and even a small misstep like wearing shorts can lead to a swift exit. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for future visitors, reinforcing that at Augusta, the rules are as much a part of the experience as the azaleas and Amen Corner.