Ticket scalpers working the new entrance to Augusta National Golf Club on Monday drew so many patron complaints that undercover Richmond County sheriff's deputies were out in force Tuesday, making at least 15 arrests and seizing 25 Masters tickets.

Richmond County sheriff's Lt. Scott Gay said most of those arrested Tuesday were charged with disorderly conduct, which is the charge for scalping. State law prohibits people from selling tickets within 2,700 feet of a public venue. Some of those charged were booked into the Richmond County jail.

Gay said the sheriff's office beefed up patrols around Gate 6 on Berckmans Road because of reports of harassment from scalpers.

Patrols at the entrance gate were also increased to reduce safety hazards.

"You're exchanging money in a lot behind moving cars," Lt. Gay said. "It's unsafe."

"We only look for people making the transaction," he said. "We certainly tried to warn people, but at some point we can't just say, 'Go ahead.' "

Deputies warned at least 100 patrons Monday that selling their tickets was illegal, Lt. Gay said. He said they didn't arrest anyone who gave tickets away, but at least one of those arrested Tuesday said that wasn't the case.

After sitting in a holding cell for three hours, Steve Gerald, of Columbia, said he was still confused about why he was arrested. He said he had given his ticket away.

"I was leaving and going home for the day," he said. "I was just trying to do a guy a favor."

He said that's when an officer approached and placed him under arrest in front of his 11-year-old son.

When friend Rusty Charpia and his son asked what was happening, Gerald said, they were all threatened with arrest.