Golf Coach Removed From Driving Range Before the Masters

When stepping on the grounds of Augusta National for the Masters, there are a few cardinal rules that have to be followed. 

Patrons aren't allowed to have their phones, but that was the least of one coach's worries this week. On Monday, April 7 a coach attending the Masters found himself kicked off the driving range for not following protocol.

Matt Thurmond, Arizona State's coach, has been at Augusta National before, but this time around he has a player in the field: reigning U.S. Amateur champion Joesele Ballester. While on the grounds for the Sun Devil, Thurmond found former Arizona State star Kevin Yu on the the range and attempted to say hello.

Instead, he was promptly asked to leave the premises. Why? He was wearing shorts.

"I went out on the range without thinking, gave him a hug," the coach said. "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," Thurmond said via Golfweek. "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."

After going back to his care to find his phone, he issued a tweet revealing his mistake.

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.

— Matt Thurmond (@MattThurmond) April 7, 2025

"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 said.

Ballester tees off at 10:15 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 10 for his first round.

Related: Tiger Woods Taking Heat for What He Did Before the Masters