- At Augusta, every single player and coach is forbidden from wearing shorts
- Fans, also known as patrons, can, but the rule is viewed as golden at the course
Matt Thurmond suffered an unfortunate gaffe at Augusta earlier this week as he was escorted off the driving range.
Respected golf coach Thurmond is working with Spanish amateur star Josele Ballester for this year’s Masters.
However, on Monday, Thurmond found himself embarrassed after he inadvertently broke a key rule of the iconic tournament.
At Augusta, players and coaches are not permitted to wear shorts on the course or on practice areas, although supporters, known as patrons, can.
As Thurmond was milling around the driving range in shorts, he spotted Taiwanese star Kevin Yu, someone he used to coach at Arizona State University.
Thurmond went to catch up with Yu, but shortly after they started chatting, a vigilant Augusta official interrupted and reminded him of the guidelines at the course and how he must move off the practice area in his attire.
Matt Thurmond was removed from the driving range at Augusta for breaking a golden rule
Players and coaches are not permitted to wear shorts on the course or on practice areas
When reflecting on his unfortunate gaffe on social media, Thurmond saw the funny side of it
Taking to X to reflect on the incident, Thurmond said: ‘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.’
He later opened up further on his faux-pas and clearly saw the funny side of what had gone on.
‘I went out on the range without thinking, gave [Yu] a hug,’ 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.”
‘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.’
Thurmond admitted he was inundated with messages following the incident but it is not the first time a player or coach has accidentally broken the golden rule.
Back in 2022, Talor Gooch was spotted wearing shorts while practicing his putting and was swiftly approached by a club official. He soon returned with a pair of trousers.
This year’s Masters gets underway on Thursday, with the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy among the favourites for the tournament.
