Going to the Masters and want to support Hootie Johnson with an anti-Martha Burk button, or vice versa?
Forget about it, Tournament officials say.
Patrons will be asked to return to their cars and remove buttons, hats or T-shirts that express "any opinion, pro or con, on a social or political issue." Also, no banners, signs or flags may be displayed.
Officials say the policy is nothing new, but they chose this year to clarify "appropriateness."
"The club has always asked that patrons wear appropriate attire and not carry or wear signage of any kind," said Glenn Greenspan, the director of communications for Augusta National Golf Club.
The policy has changed, however, when it comes to actually getting inside the club's parking lots and walk-in gates. Patrons must display a badge at perimeter check points before entering.
No one will be allowed to proceed to a ticket gate unless they have a badge.
Women might want to reconsider those roomy handbags in favor of a tiny tote. The club will not allow purses larger than 10 inches in length, 5 inches in height and 5 inches in depth. This is the first year club officials have defined the dimensions.
Mr. Greenspan would not comment on whether the reminder on attire etiquette - issued Saturday - was connected to Ms. Burk's planned protests of the club's all-male membership, but the statement says opinionated attire is "inappropriate at the Masters and could detract from the tournament."
Other Masters policies:
Cell phones, beepers and other electronic devices are prohibited on the grounds. Anyone violating the rule will be subject to removal from the grounds and the permanent loss of tickets.
Cameras are strictly prohibited on tournament days but are allowed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Only one seat or stool per person is allowed.
Reach Greg Rickabaugh at (706) 828-3851 or greg.rickabaugh@augustachronicle.com.
