Shopping the Masters

[hookemhorns612]

Going to my first Masters. Really lucky and so excited. I want to load up on the gear you can only get there, but want to do that, get it over with and get on to beers and golf all day. Have Thursday and Friday passes. Any advice on what are the best products to buy there? I've gone to the US Open (at congressional) and the merch tent was enormous - so much selection. So I imagine the same for the Masters. One thing that was disappointing at the US Open was that I bought a good amount and probably to my own fault, didn't love the fit or quality after I got back. I'll probably buy a bunch (couple hats, couple polos, pullover, belt). don't like baggy clothing, but i'm not like a tight fitted shirt person.I've heard it can be extremely time consuming to get through the shop at the masters so just looking for advice on what to buy brand wise in each of these categories. At the US Open for every product they had like 5 to 10 brands and it was hard to figure out which to leave with so I bought so Polo RL stuff that was too big. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[RayG]

The only thing I can contribute, since a couple of my coworkers head down setting up the telecast for CBS, is that the tent is HUGE with lots of registers. They seem to have a system pretty well down. AND, upon exiting said tent- you can walk right into a Post Office and send everything home. No traipsing around carrying the stuff or trying to cram it into a carry-on bag. I can only suggest getting there as early as possible for best selections. With any luck, my 35 years on the job may get me a pass for next year. Came close a few times but something would always cut me out of the picture.

[MrFlipper]

Going to my first Masters. Really lucky and so excited. I want to load up on the gear you can only get there, but want to do that, get it over with and get on to beers and golf all day. Have Thursday and Friday passes.

Any advice on what are the best products to buy there? I've gone to the US Open (at congressional) and the merch tent was enormous - so much selection. So I imagine the same for the Masters. One thing that was disappointing at the US Open was that I bought a good amount and probably to my own fault, didn't love the fit or quality after I got back.

I'll probably buy a bunch (couple hats, couple polos, pullover, belt). don't like baggy clothing, but i'm not like a tight fitted shirt person.I've heard it can be extremely time consuming to get through the shop at the masters so just looking for advice on what to buy brand wise in each of these categories. At the US Open for every product they had like 5 to 10 brands and it was hard to figure out which to leave with so I bought so Polo RL stuff that was too big.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

How fun! I was lucky enough to go once, first round 2001. Some thoughts:

I wish I had bought a ton of hats, I wear hats all the time and they wear out, fade, etc. I only got a few and they are long gone except one that I want to keep and not wear.

I bought a coffee cup, it broke. Should have gotten more, they break (big news there).

Got a tiny 5 iron (don't know why) a nice vest and nice shirt (but so nice I don't wear them for golf and I feel weird just wearing them around, its Masters clothing). Somehow its different from US Open stuff, I'd wear a US Open shirt to cut the grass but not a Masters shirt haha

All your golf buddies will want something too.

But I'd suggest really load up on headgear of your choice and coffee cups :)

You can buy US Open stuff online but I'm pretty sure you can still only buy Masters stuff on-site, so think of stuff you really use and load up! Really load up!

And have fun! It's unbelievable

[RayG]

Well, there IS a website where you can buy Masters goodies. Mostly hats, but they have other stuff as well.. They've been around for a few years now so they must do something right. HOWEVER... the prices are INSANE. Figure THREE times the price for every item. e.g. a White Bucket Hat that might go for 20-25 bucks is listed at about $70. Yeah, SEVENTY BUCKS. And they don't ship until the store opens. They must have mules that get in and buy up the stock to ship on or after April 6th

[Clambake]

Selection is quite broad, and the markups are surprisingly reasonable.  Augusta National makes so much money off the TV revenues and they own all concession sales on site, including logo gear and food, so they keep the prices very reasonable.

There are two main places they sell goods on site, one near the main club house and one at the back gate by Berckman's place (near the 16th).  I found the main store more crowded throughout the day, while the other location seemed less crowded.  One great feature at both is you can do shipping on site - no need to go the Post Office.  You walk out after the cash registers and there is a setup for shipping right there - hand them your purchases and they box and ship and very reasonable prices.  Go shopping when you first get on site before the crowds build too much, ship it, and you're unencumbered the rest of the day.

What you might want to purchase is very personal, and you'll find an amazing number of different items to choose from.  For shirts, you'll find many different brands, ranging from reasonable cost brands to high end like Bobby Jones.  I'd suggest checking out what brands you like at a golf store and then you can look for those at Augusta.

One good thing about Masters gear is if you purchase something that you find doesn't fit as well as you like, they are really easy items to resell and get your money back.  Keep the tags on until you know you'll love it.

Chairs are very popular items, and something that is very useful while you're there.  One thing unique about Augusta is people set up chairs in the morning and can leave them unattended and walk around, and then come back later.  Put a business card or name card in the little pocket on the back of the chair to help you recognize yours when you come back.  I used a neon-colored card and wrote my name on it; it was really easy to spot among the sea of green seat backs.

Like another poster mentioned, I wish I'd bought a few more hats and another coffee cup, as those were things I use frequently.  When they wear out I'll just have to go back again.

[WedgeHead]

I can't help you with any purchases, but I found a Masters baseball cap for $1 at a thrift store. They're selling online for $25-35.

[randyfitz]

buy all your stuff the first morning after you have put your chair where you want (if you plan to do that).  you can have them hold it for your merchandise and pick it back up at the end of the day (they give you a ticket).

pricing seems on par with other golf stores.

[hookemhorns612]

Thanks all!

Any other advice or info on what they offer is welcomed!

Usually just buy nike golf gear b/c its the best fit or some Peter Millar stuff, but that's a bit bigger. Hopefully they have stuff that'll be a good fit