Masters Rescinds Invitations To Poulter, McDowell Over On-Site Tweets

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In a bold move to cut down on the use of cell phones and Tweeting of video from club premises, Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne announced that Masters contestants Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell have lost their spots in this year's tournament following unapproved digital transmissions sent from the club earlier this week.

"To be consistent with the strict no-cell phone policies adhered to by our members and guests, we felt this was the only course of action," Payne said in a prepared statement. "The line was crossed when images of our member locker room were Tweeted and of course, subsequently re-Tweeted by their followers. However, we look forward to welcoming back Ian and Graeme next year, assuming Ian qualifies."

The duo, playing with former Players Champion Henrik Stenson on Tuesday, posted a variety of videos depicting the drive up Magnolia Lane, the member locker area and the view from an upstairs porch where Sub-Air units could be heard running in the background. While the course did appear to be extremely green, the sky a bright blue and the bunkers a vibrant white, Payne received calls from members whose grandchildren saw the unwarranted Tweets, wondered if a violation had taken place, and subsequently flooded the Augusta National switchboard.

"If not for the swift action of our members' grandchildren, it could have been a lot worse," said Payne. "When we confiscated Poulter's iPhone we found images of the golf course. I said to him, "you know, the course has rights too." But apparently this was unbeknownst to Mr. Poulter and the committee felt it had no other choice but to rescind his invitation."

McDowell was also cited by the Augusta Sherriff for driving while using a cellular device, a $200 fine on city streets, but a $5000 fine when committed on Magnolia Lane.

Payne ended his statement by wishing all players, patrons and media a happy April Fool's Day.