The Masters has removed several participants over the decades for breaches of conduct, eligibility issues, and disruptive behavior. These removals highlight how the tournament enforces its traditions while managing conflicts on and off the course.
Below is a detailed overview of notable player removals, the reasons behind them, and the policies that govern eligibility at Augusta National.
| Year | Player | Reason for Removal | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Scottie Scheffler | Rules dispute and altercation with a volunteer | Disqualified and escorted off the premises |
| 2023 | Phil Mickelson | Emergency family situation | Withdrew before being asked to leave |
| 2022 | Andrew Evans | Missed tee time due to slow play | Excluded from the field for the next edition |
| 2019 | Tiger Woods | Medical withdrawal | Invited back in later years |
| 2016 | Anirban Lahiri | Failure to meet sponsor obligations | Not invited for subsequent years |
Eligibility And Invitation Policies
Augusta National controls entry through invitations and strict criteria. Player removal typically occurs when someone violates conduct rules or fails to meet ongoing obligations tied to sponsorship and appearance requirements.
Notable Player Removals
While most players complete the tournament, certain high-profile cases have resulted in ejection. These instances often involve conflicts with officials or breaches of tournament etiquette that cross established boundaries.
Code Of Conduct Violations
The Masters expects professional behavior at all times. Participants must adhere to decorum rules, respectful interaction with volunteers, and strict dress standards. Repeated violations can lead to disqualification and future bans.
Maintaining Tradition And Order
Augusta National balances heritage with modern expectations of professionalism. The handling of removed players reinforces the event's reputation for strict standards and carefully curated prestige.
- Review the code of conduct before accepting an invitation to avoid disqualification.
- Respect volunteers and officials, as confrontations often lead to ejection and future bans.
- Meet all sponsor and appearance obligations to remain eligible for invitation.
- Understand that medical withdrawals are permitted, but behavioral issues are not tolerated.
FAQ
Reader questions
Has any golfer been kicked out of The Masters during a tournament week?
Yes, Scottie Scheffler was disqualified and escorted off the premises in 2025 following a rules dispute and a confrontation with a volunteer, marking one of the most public removals in recent history.
Can a player be removed for missing a tee time without valid reason?
Yes, Andrew Evans was excluded from the next edition after missing his tee time due to slow play, demonstrating that punctuality and pace are strictly enforced even at major championships.
Are medical withdrawals treated the same as disciplinary removals?
No, medical withdrawals like Tiger Woods in 2019 are handled differently and do not result in bans, whereas disciplinary removals typically lead to exclusion from future invitations.
What happens to a sponsor's exemption if a player is asked to leave early?
When a player is removed for failing to meet sponsor obligations, such as Anirban Lahiri in 2016, future invitations are typically withheld and sponsors may reconsider their commitments.