Masters patrons spend big on merchandise during practice rounds

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WTOC) - With the start of the 90th Masters Tournament two days away, patrons are soaking up all Augusta National Golf Course has to offer during the practice rounds, including the shopping.

The golf shop at Augusta National is estimated to see $10 million a day in sales during the duration of the Masters tournament.

Chelsea and Paul Scott browsed the merchandise, picking up a Masters flag and other items. “I like this just because it has the gnome on it,” one said.

The annual limited edition Masters gnome has become the talk of the tournament. Patrons who can’t get the gnome itself are opting for other gnome merchandise.

Getting the gnome requires dedication and early arrival.

“We got here at six, like pulled in at six. We got right into line, but we didn’t think we were gonna make it, and we did,” said Olivia Galloway, a Masters patron.

Shannon Hodson, another Masters patron, said they cut off the line right in front of them. “We both were panicking. She said, ‘I even prayed mom!’ I thought we missed it but we found it.”

Even patrons who don’t want to brave the lines for the gnome have plenty of other merchandise to buy.

Brittney Goodman walked away with a $28,000 receipt.

“We have a lot of friends and a lot of family members that are looking for Augusta merch and there’s only one place you can get it, and that’s here,” Goodman said. “So, a lot of orders, a lot of tallying. We had a list coming in of what we needed to grab and we were successful.”

If that seems like a lot to spend at the golf shop, think of it like this: $28,000 purchase doesn’t account for even one percent of what the winner of the 90th Masters will take home.

The 90th Masters Tournament kicks off on Thursday. The champion will be crowned on Sunday.