Pat McAfee Says The Masters Rejected His Hit ESPN Show: 'Told Us to Go to Hell'
Pat McAfee might be ESPN's darling (although Stephen A. Smith may beg to differ), but the brash jack-of-all-trades personality is finding out that not everyone is sold on him.
The 38-year-old former Indianapolis Colts punter revealed this week that, for three years, he sought to broadcast his eponymous ESPN show from the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club during The Masters.
The subject came up when McAfee came to Jason Kelce's defense after ESPN announced that the Philadelphia Eagles great will be on assignment in Augusta. That's when McAfee made his own revelation.
What Augusta National Golf Club Said ...
McAfee revealed that the show had "attempted to be part of the Wednesday coverage of The Masters at the par-3 thing for three consecutive years now."
He continued, "For the people that are mad about Jason Kelce being a part of The Masters, I have a good piece of news for you: They told us to go to hell."
McAfee went on to say that The Masters is known for having strict guidelines, and having a show like The Pat McAfee Show at Augusta National Golf Club goes against everything it stands for: exclusivity.
Pat McAfee said he has tried to broadcast the @PatMcAfeeShow live from Augusta National as part of ESPN's Masters Par 3 Contest coverage for the past three years.
— David Rumsey (@_DavidRumsey) April 1, 2026
"They told us to go to hell."
pic.twitter.com/4A2IICwUNb
The Masters Has Strict Rules
Arguably golf's most prestigious major, The Masters is known for adhering to tradition dating nearly 100 years.
For starters, fewer than 100 people are typically invited to play at The Masters. That's a big deal, considering the other majors have a field with more than 150 players. The winner, who earns the coveted green jacket, also gets a lifetime invitation.
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But while the players must adhere to strict rules, fans also have a list of guidelines they must adhere to. Check that, The Masters doesn't call them "fans." They're "patrons."
When The Masters kicks off next week on April 9, fans patrons are not allowed to bring phones to the course. Cell phones must be left at the hotel or tucked away in a locker.
And while cameras are allowed during practice rounds, the same cannot be said once the tournament begins. In fact, no electronic devices are allowed on the course. Smart watches are allowed, as long as they do not have the ability to make audio calls.
Even the media has strict rules they must follow. When Jim Nantz has the call on CBS Sports, you'll never hear him say the words "sand trap."
That's because The Masters wants it to be called "bunkers."
There's also no back nine. The Masters refers to it as "The Second Nine."
And don't dare call Augusta a country club or a golf course. It's always -- always! -- Augusta National Golf Club.
The Masters is strict, to say the least, a lesson McAfee learned three years too late.