ASU golf coach removed from Augusta National for violating long-standing dress code rule

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Augusta National Golf Club has several rules for its golfers and patrons, both stated and unwritten. 

Arizona State University men’s golf coach Matt Thurmond learned about one of those rules the hard way this week ahead of the 2025 Masters tournament. 

Thurmond, who has been with the Sun Devils since 2016, was removed from the golf course during a practice session on Tuesday after he went to say hello to former ASU player Kevin Yu, who is making his Masters debut this year. 

Arizona State coach Matt Thurmond at the NCAA Men's Golf Championships at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. (IMAGN)

The reason for his removal? Thurmond was wearing shorts on the course. 

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"I went out on the range without thinking, gave him a hug," Thurmond said, via Golfweek. "After about one shot and one quick hello, they came out and said 'I’m sorry, sir, you can’t be on the range with your shorts.'" 

Violating what many call the "golden rule" of Augusta National is one of the stricter rules of the storied club. While patrons are free to wear shorts, beyond the ropes where players and coaches can be, full-length pants are required. 

Arizona State University golfer Chun An Yu, left, looks on alongside head coach Matt Thurmond on the ninth fringe during the NCAA Men's Golf Championship Quarterfinal at Grayhawk Golf Course on June 1, 2021. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

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"My bad, it was a mistake I made," Thurmond later said, via Golfweek. "I want to follow the rules here when I’m at Augusta