A respected golf coach suffered an embarrassing moment at Augusta National earlier this week when he was escorted off the driving range for violating the Masters tournament dress code.
Matt Thurmond, who is working with Spanish amateur Josele Ballester for this year's tournament, was removed from the practice area for wearing shorts.
At the prestigious Augusta National, players and coaches are strictly prohibited from wearing shorts on the course or practice areas.
The incident occurred on Monday when Thurmond inadvertently broke this golden rule whilst visiting the driving range.
Matt Thurmond, who is working with Spanish amateur Josele Ballester for this year's tournament, was removed from the practice area for wearing shorts
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Patrons attending the event are permitted to wear shorts, but the same privilege does not extend to those with coaching credentials.
Thurmond spotted Taiwanese golfer Kevin Yu, a former student from his time coaching at Arizona State University, whilst on the range.
The coach approached Yu to catch up with his former pupil, unaware that his attire was inappropriate for the area.
"I went out on the range without thinking, gave [Yu] a hug," Thurmond later explained.
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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
Their reunion was short-lived, however, as Augusta officials quickly intervened.
After "about one shot and one quick hello," Thurmond recalled being approached by staff who politely but firmly informed him of the violation.
"I'm sorry, sir, you can't be on the range with your shorts," the official told him.
The vigilant Augusta representative reminded him of the strict guidelines at the course and asked him to leave the practice area.
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Thurmond took the incident in good humour, later sharing the experience on social media platform X.
"Strolled out onto the Augusta range today with my coach badge. Got removed for wearing shorts," he wrote.
He playfully added: "First bogey of the week. Celebrated with an egg salad sandwich. Pants tomorrow.
"My bad, it was a mistake I made. I want to follow the rules here when I'm at Augusta and do everything right."
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Thurmond expressed gratitude despite the embarrassing moment.
"Lucky to be here and appreciate everything here. I just made a mistake," he added.
This is not the first time the Augusta dress code has caught out those involved in the tournament.
In 2022, golfer Talor Gooch was spotted practising his putting whilst wearing shorts.
The Masters gets underway this week in GeorgiaReutersHe too was swiftly approached by a club official about the violation before he promptly returned to the practice area wearing the appropriate trousers.
The Masters tournament begins on Thursday, with world-class players competing for the coveted green jacket.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are among the favourites to win this year's championship.
Meanwhile, Thurmond will continue his coaching duties with Spanish amateur Ballester. He'll be hoping not to be caught short again...
