Kenny Mayne's Quip Leads to Lifetime Ban from Augusta National
Golf enthusiasts are well aware of the stringent regulations at Augusta National Golf Course, yet few grasp the intense scrutiny faced by on-air personalities during The Masters. Former ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne recently disclosed that he is banned for life from the prestigious club due to a cheeky comment made on air.
“I’m banned for life from Augusta, I think,” Mayne, 66, shared during a recent episode of the “God Bless Football” podcast. His history with golf broadcasting spans years, including coverage of the TPC Sawgrass and the U.S. Open for nearly a decade alongside notable figures like Scott Van Pelt and Andy North.
The Masters’ first two rounds are broadcast on ESPN before transitioning to CBS, which has held the rights since 1956. Throughout this time, Augusta National has maintained a tight grip on its broadcast teams, enforcing a unique vernacular that includes referring to spectators as “patrons” and designating the back nine as “the second nine.”
Mayne’s so-called “smartass” remark did not align with the club’s strict code of conduct. He recounted, “At TPC one year, I just made some smartass comment about, ‘We’ll see you at the Masters, where we bring four saucy ladies out to play!’ Or, you know, just something stupid, right? But mentioning that I’m bringing women to play golf.” He noted that Augusta National quickly intervened, contacting the ESPN truck while they were still live. “They were like, ‘He is not coming!’ So I was never invited to go by my lords,” he added.
Mayne is not alone in facing repercussions from Augusta. The practice of banning TV personalities dates back over six decades. In 1966, CBS commentator Jack Whitaker was banned for referring to patrons as “the mob.” Similarly, in 1994, Gary McCord was removed from the broadcast team after quipping, “I don’t think they mow these greens; I think they bikini wax them.”
Augusta National enforces strict regulations beyond just its broadcast teams. Even Masters champions, who are treated like royalty at Augusta, cannot wear their coveted Green Jackets off the property—except for the current winner, who may take it home with the stipulation that it must be returned the following year.
Patrons are also expected to adhere to a rigorous dress code: no shorts or untucked shirts, no denim, and no five-pocket pants. Additionally, cell phones and laptops are prohibited; patrons wishing to make calls must utilize courtesy phones provided throughout the course.
Moreover, there is a strict no-yelling policy in place, along with bans on music, heckling, and profanity. If patrons wish to bring a chair, it must be collapsible and armless.
While it may seem obvious that guests should not steal from the club, one individual learned this lesson the hard way in 2012. Clayton Baker was apprehended attempting to take a cup of sand as a souvenir. The consequences were severe: he was arrested, jailed, and lost his $4,500 security deposit for his Masters badge. Including legal fees, his escapade cost him a staggering $20,000.
