Inside the Masters bubble: No phones and no news – a rare escape from reality
CNN
A ticket to the Masters, known as a badge, is one of the most elusive items in all of sports. But those who are lucky enough to procure one know that it provides more than just access to one of golf’s most hallowed grounds, it is also an invitation to leave the troubles of the world behind.
A ticket to the Masters, known as a badge, is one of the most elusive items in all of sports. But those who are lucky enough to procure one know that it provides more than just access to one of golf’s most hallowed grounds, it is also an invitation to leave the troubles of the world behind. The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited on the property of Augusta National, meaning that patrons – fans at the Masters – quickly become oblivious to outside events. “It’s almost as if you’re hiking up into the high altitude of the mountains, where there’s no cell service,” Mike Rawl told CNN after his fourth year at the major. “That’s the only way to check out. Or you come to the Masters.” During these times of heightened international tensions, that makes Augusta National feel like one of the most isolated places on earth. Amongst the luscious dogwoods and azaleas on Saturday, few people – if any – would have been discussing Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, because they would likely have been totally unaware of it.
