Broadcaster who covered the Masters for 35 years revealed 'hidden rule golf fans don’t know about'

The Masters at Augusta National is a tournament defined by its strict guidelines and traditions, but one 'hidden' rule that many fans are unaware of was the favourite of legendary broadcaster Bob Bubka.

Bubka, who sadly passed away in July 2025 at the age of 83, was one of golf’s most recognisable voices after decades on the radio waves with NBC Sports, CBS Sports and talkSPORT, amongst others.

He was respected by many in the game, including six-time Masters winner Jack Nicklaus, who personally invited Bubka to attend an event in Scotland after being made an honorary citizen of St Andrews.

The broadcaster covered his first Masters in 1986, which happened to be the same year as Nicklaus's last victory at Augusta.

Bubka went on to cover the tournament for almost four decades and marvelled at its beauty last year. "There's not a person who goes there that comes away saying, 'It wasn't as pretty as I thought it was'," he told talkSPORT. "It's absolutely incredible."

Bob Bubka speaks to Tiger Woods in 2005. Image credit: Getty

While speaking about the Masters, Bubka also touched on patrons not being able to sit on the grass, which was his favourite 'hidden' rule.

"As soon as you get on the grounds, it's your favourite thing because it's such a truly favourite spot to be," said Bubka. "Where'd you ever hear of a golf tournament where you can't sit on the grass? No sitting allowed at The Masters on the grass."

Other rules at the Masters include no phones, no cameras during tournament rounds, no autographs and no running.

Bubka also spoke about the rule of not being able to run on the course. "Most people don't realise how hilly it really is. And then one of the great things – and I've loved this for years – they show up on Saturday morning," he began.

"The prime spot obviously is the par-3 16th hole, and they try and get down there. As soon as the gates open, they walk, because no running is allowed – and I mean no running allowed – and they walk to their spot on 16."

"You're not going to believe this. They take their chair, they put it down. It's 8 o'clock in the morning," added Bubka. "They can come back at noon, and that chair will be in that exact same spot. Nobody will dare move it."

Fans are not allowed to sit directly on the grass. Rigid chairs and chairs with arms and pointed edges are also not allowed. Image credit: Getty

TV broadcasters for the Masters are 'forbidden' from using five phrases while commentating at Augusta

Augusta National expects broadcasters to avoid certain phrases throughout the four-day tournament, including but not limited to these five rather ordinary terms.

Fan – Masters attendees are not fans. 'Patron' is the Augusta-friendly alternative.

Rough – Broadcasters are told to use 'second cut' instead of 'rough'.

Sand trap – When it's Augusta sand, it's a 'bunker'.

Driving range – The 'tournament practice facility' is the correct term, rather than 'driving range'.

Back nine – That's the 'second nine' at Augusta.