The FOMO is real at the Masters, where disconnected fans ‘jonesing’ for their phones can’t ‘do it for the Gram’
- Spectators at Augusta National step back into a 352-acre world without selfies and Twitter
- No phone policy means fans are forced to unplug for a few hours and live in the moment
Mary Gray had not even made it all the way to the first tee at Augusta National Golf Club when the reality of the protective bubble that settles over the course during Masters’ week fully set in.
She knew the club’s “no phone policy” and dutifully left her mobile in her group’s rental car. Standing near the massive leader board to the right of the first fairway before Tuesday’s practice round, and clutching a disposable camera that took multiple trips to a chemist to secure, Gray kept reflexively tapping her pocket.
“I’m … jonesing,” Gray said with an exasperated laugh. She’s not alone. Part of the Masters’ enduring appeal is its timelessness.
“It’s like a different world when you walk through the gates,” said 21-year-old Tim Nelson of Atlanta, clad from head to toe in Masters swag while watching Tiger Woods chipping 30 yards away.
A world that predates selfies and social media and all the other daily distractions that fit in the palm of our hands. To step onto the perfectly manicured grass is like boarding a 352-acre time machine. It comes with its perks. Such as azaleas in bloom. Pimento cheese sandwiches that cost just US$1.50 and a chance to truly unplug for a few hours.
Still, the Fear Of Missing Out is real. Besides, what good is posing for a group picture at any number of Augusta’s iconic spots if you can’t immediately humble brag about it on the social media platform of your choosing?
No “Doing it for the ‘Gram” here.
“I know right,” said Melissa McDonald of Athens, Georgia as she posed for a picture being taken by her fiancée Max Jensen near the second green. “I think it’s cool that it’s sort of old school but at the same time, you’re so used to just being connected at all times.”
