Cigar Smoking at the 2025 US Masters, Augusta (amongst other things...)

[JohnS]

It's that time of year. Yes, the second Sunday in April and a great many of us, including me, will partake in our annual ritual of witnessing the last round of the US Masters golf from Augusta, Georgia. Most of us will do it watching via a television broadcast, of course, but if you could actually manage to get a ticket to watch the US masters (which incidentally is the hardest ticket to attain in sports other than tickets to the Super Bowl), then you will need to agree to have your mobile phone collected prior to following the action out on the course. Taking a cigar or two to smoke though? Sure, that's no problem. If your out there, have fun spotting your favourite celebrity too.

Take note that ten of the last eleven Masters Champions have come from the last pairing (i.e. the leader and second-placed competitors after the finish of the third round or 54 holes have been completed). So, it's likely that Rory McIlroy or Bryson DeChambeau will win the 2025 Masters. McIlroy famously led the field by four shots after the 3rd round in 2011 and shot an 8-over 80 to finish outside the top 10 in 2011. Mind you, he did also shoot an 8-under 64 to finish second behind winner Scottie Scheffler in 2022. Although he hasn't won a golfing major since 2014, a win for McIlroy will mean that he will join only six other golfers to win all four majors in their careers (Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen).

TEE-TIME TALES: Eagled-eyed patrons spot Roger Federer and Rory McIlroy's ex, cigar smoke wafts over greens

By MIKE KEEGAN - Published: 06:37 AEST, 13 April 2025 | Updated: 07:54 AEST, 13 April 2025

Star-spotting is a popular pastime for many of those lucky enough to get a ticket for the Masters and this year has been no different.

On Friday, tennis ace Roger Federer was spotted walking Amen Corner with his agent, while eyebrows were raised over the presence of Rory McIlroy's ex, Caroline Wozniacki.

Federer later hosted a table at a high-end sponsor's dinner and, by all accounts, was among the last to leave. Luke Donald's wife Diane, a huge tennis fan, was among those hanging on the words of the 20-time grand slam winner.

Former NFL star and Burnley co-owner JJ Watt has also been seen, along with quarterback brothers Eli and Peyton Manning.

Roger Federer was among those spotted at the Masters before hosting a table at a dinner

Star-spotting remains a popular pastime for many of those lucky enough to get a ticket

Lighting up Augusta

The list of things you cannot do at Augusta, such as bring your mobile phone, is extensive. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the things you can do is smoke.

There is no ban on lighting up at the course and the distinctive smell of cigar smoke often wafts over the fairways and greens.

There is no smoking ban at Augusta and the distinctive smell of smoke wafts over the greens

Unwanted record goes to...

Hackers around the world will have felt the pain of Alabaman Nick Dunlap after he carded a disastrous 90 in the first round. The 21-year-old, who followed up with an impressive 71, was nowhere near recording the worst 18 holes played out at Augusta.

That dubious honour should go to Billy Casper who needed 106 strokes to get around on his final Masters visit in 2005.

However, Casper, the 1970 champion, is not in the record books after he decided to withdraw before signing his card. Instead, Charlie Kunkle - who did not take up golf until leaving college - holds the record with a 95 in the final round in 1956.

Kunkle was 42 at the time, crashed his car on Magnolia Lane thanks to nerves and had to cope with brutal winds.

The worst score on a single hole is 13, recorded by three players - including Sergio Garcia, who put five balls in the water on 15 in 2018.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-14603141/TEE-TIME-TALES-Celebrities-spotted-smoking-ban-Sky-Sports.html

[bmac]

Augusta National. Land of the free-home of the brave!! Smoke 'em if you got 'em.😀

[Lucas Buck]

Amazing that you can smoke there. All my favorite courses banned smoking. I light up on the first tee and have never had a problem. 

[Wookie]

Thru 11 and Rory is just the most complete golfer on the planet right now. Hope he hangs in there. He deserves it. 

[ChicagoRob]

I’m blaming you for hole 13 now….

[Wookie]

He can still knock it in.

[svivo]

Ups and downs but that 6 iron on the 15th was something special. Shame about the putt. 

[svivo]

Rose’s putting has been mind blowing. 

[Chibearsv]

2 hours ago, Lucas Buck said:

Amazing that you can smoke there. All my favorite courses banned smoking. I light up on the first tee and have never had a problem. 

If I didn’t have a cigar on the golf course, no one would recognize me 😁

 

[Wookie]

Never in doubt! 😂 congrats Rory!

[Chas.Alpha]

Stood at the 16th tee box on Sunday last year at Pinehurst. I was one of only 24 other people smoking a cigar. 😀

[Chibearsv]

He looked much more relaxed in OT than he did the first time on 18. Good on him. He and Justin were certainly deserving. 

[Chas.Alpha]

No doubt both of them had Vegemite on their toast for breakfast this morning!