Augusta’s Golden Rule Under Siege: Masters Implement New Crackdown Strategy

The Masters are intensifying their strategies to prevent spectators from smuggling AI glasses into Augusta, effectively bypassing the venue’s strict ban on phones and cameras, according to sources from the Daily Mail.

In recent years, companies like Oakley and Ray-Ban have introduced AI-enabled glasses that feature tiny speakers, microphones, and cameras, enabling users to communicate, enjoy music, and capture images and videos. These devices have gained significant traction among social media influencers lately.

Priced as high as $800, these technologically advanced glasses can easily go undetected by the untrained eye. Some attendees have even managed to sneak them into the Masters, subsequently sharing footage online.

Reports have surfaced of several fans sporting these gadgets during the current week, leading to increased pressure for the club to officially add them to the prohibited items list.

A source revealed to the Daily Mail that the club has made identifying these glasses a top priority for security personnel, with staff being trained to recognize the concealed cameras within them.

Fans are allowed to bring cameras inside Augusta for practice rounds but as soon as the tournament starts on Thursday, the club bans electronic devices such as ‘cell phones, laptops, tablets, beepers, drones and other electronics… including devices capable of transmitting photo/video.’

Patrons watch on the 17th hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 11

Patrons walk the grounds during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club

Patrons take photos during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club

Earlier this week, former Open champion Mark Calcavecchia was reportedly thrown out of the Masters after he was caught on his phone, while Kai Trump sparked allegations that she had broken the club’s golden rule after the president’s granddaughter posted pictures from behind the scenes at Augusta. 

Calcavecchia, a 13-time PGA Tour winner, refused to elaborate on the incident, telling Golfweek on Wednesday: ‘I’ve got nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so I think we should literally hang up right now.’

But the incident shows just how seriously organizers enforce their rules – and how much of a concern the glasses are.

A source told the Daily Mail that after smart glasses first emerged, security staff sometimes struggled to detect them, given how similar they look to regular sunglasses.

But now they are said to be one of the biggest things that security is told to look out for.

On one recent occasion, a source revealed, a fan was caught trying to bring the glasses into the first round of the Masters. 

They had used them for a practice round and were shown some mercy – the club confiscated the gadget but the fan was able to collect them as they left.

But should anyone attempt to sneak them in for Sunday’s final round, they would risk being kicked out and banned from the tournament, the source added.

Patrons use a courtesy telephone on the course during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11

The Masters have stepped up efforts to stop fans sneaking AI glasses into Augusta National

Meta AI glasses allow users to send and receive messages as well as capture photos and video

During the Masters there is a strict ban on cameras and phones at Augusta National

It is also claimed that officials keep an eye out online for fans posting content using the glasses. At the time of writing, Augusta National had not responded to a request for comment.

The tournament enters its final day on Sunday with defending champion Rory McIlroy tied for the lead alongside Cam Young of the United States on -11.

Young’s fellow American Sam Burns is a shot behind, while McIlroy’s Europe Ryder Cup teammates Shane Lowry and Justin Rose also feature in the chasing pack. 

McIlroy went into his round on Saturday with a commanding six-shot lead but on a day where many others went low, he only managed to grind out a one-over par score of 73. 

‘I have to look at the positives, even though there aren’t that many to take today,’ McIlroy said on Saturday night. ‘I did bounce back. I hit some good shots coming in. 

‘I’m in a great position. I just know I need to be better to have a chance.’