A World Without Phones

I spent a lot of time a week ago watching the Masters golf tournament. It’s a tournament known for a lot of traditions—green jackets, challenging holes, Azaleas, and a level of respect for the game that doesn’t happen anywhere else. Their motto is “a tradition unlike any other”.

But one of the most unique traditions isn’t about golf at all.

It’s their no-phone policy. No one-players, caddies, media members, nor spectators-can have their phones with them while out and about. There was a media member kicked off the grounds for using his phone! They even have “pay phones” if you need to make a call. In many ways, it’s like the old days many of us remember

For everyone involved, there are no distractions, no scrolling, no posting, no trying to see what is happening elsewhere-it’s about just being present.

This year, I heard several people talk about what that experience at the Masters was like, including TV personality Pat McAfee, who shared how different it felt to simply be there—fully engaged, aware, and connected to the moment instead of a screen.

And it made me think…

When was the last time most of us experienced that?

I watched WrestleMania this weekend (yes, I’m a WWE fan), and what stood out wasn’t just the event—it was the crowd. When wrestlers were coming out for their matches, literally every single person in the crowd that was shown was taking pictures or a video of the superstars. So many people were watching through their phones, trying to capture the moment instead of actually living it.

And I get it—we all do it.We want to capture the experience, maybe share with others, and go back and look at it later. We also don’t want to miss an important call, text, or email, or even a major event that may be happening. I statI saw said that the average American checks their phone once every two or three minutes!

But it’s a completely different experience when your focus is not totally on what’s going on at an event.

At the Masters, there are no phones. People aren’t watching through a screen. They’re watching with their eyes. They are talking to the people next to them. Many who attend say it’s one of the most refreshing experiences they’ve had—simply because they’re fully present.

We live in a world where we’re constantly “connected,” but often times that means we are distracted. We check notifications during conversations. We scroll while sitting with family. and enjoying a meal. We respond to things that feel urgent but rarely matter long-term. We’re present—but not really there. It’s why I have always had a rule with my sports teams at team dinners that phones are put away and everyone is enjoying their teammates and communicating with those around them.

The Masters offers a reminder of what happens when that noise is removed.

People talk more, even if it is with people they normally don’t talk to.
They notice more details and reactions of what is happening. They also tend to listen more.
They also feel more connected—not to a device, but to each other.

And that’s something we definitely need more of.

It’s easy to believe we’re missing out if we’re not checking our phones. But in reality, we may be missing more by not putting them down.

We miss conversations with those we care about.
We miss moments of importance because of needing to check something that could wait until later.
We miss the people right in front of us who have something valuable to share or something they may need support on.

As coaches, leaders, parents—or just people trying to navigate busy lives—there’s value in being where our feet are.

This means not being halfway there and not being even partially distracted-It means being fully there.

What does that mean for all of us? Here are some possibilities to consider:

• Putting the phone away at dinner

• Being fully present at a game or practice

• Taking a walk without checking updates

• Having a conversation without interruptions

None of this is complicated. But we all know it’s not easy either. I am as guilty of this as anyone. It’s because we’ve gotten used to the constant pull of “what’s next” instead of appreciating what’s now.

The Masters shows us something simple but powerful: you don’t lose connection when you put your phone away-you often gain more of it!

Maybe this week is a chance to try it. I challenge you to try one or more of these:

Be a little more present in your conversations with family and friends.
Be a little less distracted at events you attend and notice more of what is going on.
Be a little more aware of the people and moments around you and how you can gain more from those people and events just because of your increased awareness.

Because in the end, the best connections we make aren’t through a screen-they’re right in front of us—if we’re paying attention.

On a final note: I have been working on a new endeavor related to When Life Meets Coaching and I am hoping to make it public this week. You will be the first to know and will get a special newsletter to share the news. I look forward to letting you know the details soon!

Have a great week!

Coach K