Arizona State men's golf coach Matt Thurmond learned the hard way that shorts are a no-go at Augusta National, leading to a premature exit and a celebratory egg salad sandwich after his fashion faux pas.

Thurmond's ejection from Augusta occurred while he was casually chatting with former ASU star Kevin Yu on the practice range, a breach of the club's strict attire rules. While he may have missed the chance to support Arizona State's two-time All-American Josele Ballester in the best way possible, he did snag a memorable lunch and a commitment to swap shorts for slacks during future rounds—proving that even the fiercest dress codes can't abridge a good sense of humor.

The incident unfolded in typical Augusta fashion: with unrelenting adherence to rules that have made the club infamous among sports enthusiasts and undercover fashionistas alike. Thurmond took a break from discussing swing techniques to discuss the finer points of Arizona State's golf strategy, only to find the unforgiving eyes of tournament officials spotting his shorts from a mile away. It turns out that being on the practice range still requires full-length pants, even if your shorts are as well-tailored as Augusta's perfectly manicured lawns.

"I thought I was making a killer fashion statement, but turns out Augusta has other plans for my wardrobe," Thurmond jested on social media after his dismissal. He humorously recounted the sad tale of his ousting while indulging in an egg salad sandwich, a meal that likely tasted like both a consolation prize and a hard lesson learned. It seems that egg salad is the unofficial dish of the wronged; a silent tribute to all those who have faced the sting of standard etiquette gone awry.

Thurmond’s banishment speaks not just to his attire but also to the culture at Augusta National, where patrons are permitted to bare their shorts, but players and coaches must don the kind of pants that would make your high school principal proud. This strict dress code aims to maintain an air of tradition amidst the teenage rebellion on the golf course. Apparently, the club values decorum over discomfort, leaving fashion enthusiasts to ponder whether there’s any 'core' in dress code.

Feeling reflective, Thurmond acknowledged that the rules exist for a reason. "I want to follow the rules while I’m here," he stated, clearly ready to swap his beloved shorts for a pair of trousers that could withstand a conversation with any dress code. His newfound compliance is a testament to his desire to appreciate the experience at Augusta, even if it cost him a few moments of casual greatness.

His visit to Augusta was not solely about his personal attire misstep; rather, it was to support Arizona State senior Josele Ballester, who was competing in the Masters as an amateur. Ballester, a two-time All-American and the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, secured his place among the golf elite, and Thurmond’s commitment to showing up for him is commendable. After all, what better way to support your player than causing an uproar and promptly being kicked out?

It is likely that Ballester, an aspiring golfer, followed Thurmond's brief podium moment with a mix of bewilderment and amusement. Imagine rolling up to your dream event only to have your coach become infamous for a capital offence like wearing shorts. One can only hope that Thurmond's next pair of pants come with a ventilation option; after all, it can get pretty steamy at the Masters, what with the competition and the collective disbelief over attire choices.

In the end, Thurmond's escapade at Augusta serves as a chic reminder—one man's shorts are another man's ticket home. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate whether he’ll transition to stylish golf slacks or perhaps mistake another piece of golf etiquette for casual wear. For now, the egg salad sandwich may well be the culinary icon of a summer spent learning about the importance of pants in professional golf. Here's to hoping that next year, Thurmond arrives sworn to the sport, dressed to the nines, and firmly committed to never wearing shorts again. Or at least, he could bring a pair of pants just in case.