There is a reason why the Masters is the most beloved golf tournament in the world. It is not just the pristine fairways or the iconic roars through the Georgia pines. It is the way Augusta National honors tradition without apology. While the outside world rushes to modernize everything, Augusta remains stubbornly committed to the core values that make golf great.
And honestly, it is time more local courses followed their lead. Here are five Augusta-inspired traditions that every course should bring back.
A Real Dress Code
Golf used to be a game where how you dressed showed how much you respected the game. Somewhere along the line, that standard got tossed aside in favor of convenience and comfort. Augusta still requires collared shirts, hats worn properly, and absolutely no jeans or track pants on the grounds.
Every golf course, even the local muni, should uphold a basic dress code. You do not need a $100 polo, but you should show up looking like you care. Shirts tucked in, decent shorts or pants, and a hat that faces forward. If playing in a tank top and cargo shorts is more important to you than respecting the traditions of golf, maybe it is time to find a different hobby. Darts and bowling are still options.
Fair and Respectful Food Prices
One of the greatest things about the Masters is the food prices. Sandwiches are simple, fresh, and cost less than five dollars. No one expects the local muni to hand out pimento cheese sandwiches for $1.50, but they should not be gouging golfers with $8 hot dogs that have been rolling since sunrise either.
Golf is already an expensive sport to play. Once you are on the property, you should not have to break the bank just to grab a snack or a quick meal. Fair pricing would encourage more players to stay for a post-round drink or a bite to eat, building more of a true golf community at the course.
No Phones on the Course
One of the biggest reasons Augusta feels magical is because everyone is actually paying attention. You do not hear endless ringtone interruptions or see crowds of people glued to their screens. Phones are banned, and the difference is obvious. This is basic golf etiquette.
Public courses should strongly consider banning or at least restricting phone use. If you cannot focus on your game and the people you are with for four and a half hours, then maybe golf is not for you. Bring a camera if you want pictures, but leave the scrolling and texting in the parking lot. Golf deserves your full attention.
No Tipping Culture
Golf is one of the few sports where everyone, no matter their income or status, shares the same experience once they are on the course. Introducing tipping culture at every turn only adds unnecessary divisions.
While many courses rely on tips to help make ends meet, the goal should be for clubs to pay employees fairly without passing the burden onto players. If you could eliminate tipping, more players could afford that post-round meal or drink without adding another 20 percent to every tab. More people spending money means more revenue for the course overall, not less.
Extra Activities for the Community
At Augusta, there is Ike’s Pond, a place for members to unwind, fish, and enjoy the outdoors even if their golf game goes south. It is a small reminder that a golf course should serve its community, not just be a place to keep score.
Not every course can build a fishing pond, but the spirit of it is what matters. Maybe it is a walking trail, a short game practice area, or a putting course for kids and families. Golf courses should look for ways to be a bigger part of their community without interfering with the game itself.
Golf is not just about hitting a ball into a hole. It is about honoring a tradition, respecting the game, and connecting with others. Augusta National gets that. It is about time more local courses did too.
The Masters shows us what golf can and should be. Now it is up to the rest of us to follow the example.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
