Lucky patrons drop hundreds — many even thousands — of dollars on Masters merchandise, but some items are more important to buy than others.
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The Masters is the ultimate golf pilgrimage, its iconic logo proof you’ve been to the promised land of Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. Maybe even walked Amen Corner. Probably sipped a Crow’s Nest. Definitely munched on a pimento cheese sandwich.
Anyway, it’s a big deal. That’s why it’s so hard to get in, why tickets on the secondary market are so crazy and why everyone who actually gets in — and I mean everyone — burns paychecks on Masters merchandise.
Patrons drop hundreds — many even thousands — of dollars on hats, ball markers, quarter zips, lawn chairs, gnomes, coasters and much more.
But you don’t need all that. What are the must-have items? If you are going to the Masters this year, here are the eight things you need to prioritize.
Ball markers
You can snag a single one with the year on it or upgrade to the divot tool/ball marker combo, which gives you not only the tool but also three different markers to pop into the magnetic piece. An inexpensive keepsake you shouldn’t pass up — and because they are all by the checkout, it’s actually really difficult to pass up.
Masters pin flag
Won’t break the bank. Compact and easy to carry around and take home. Where are you going to put it? Who cares. Figure that out later.
Masters quarter-zip
There are dozens of polos and quarter-zips from which to choose — including several slick-looking sweatshirts — but we’ll go ahead and give the slight nod to the quarter-zip over the polo for being the must-have item you need to go home with. It’s probably going to be a few bucks more expensive, but you’ll get more use out of it.
Masters mug
While buying something that could potentially break isn’t always ideal for days that consist of lots of walking, these mugs are packed tightly in cardboard boxes and will be safe in your plastic shopping bags if you decide to carry them around the course with you. There are a few different styles, but it’s hard to dislike the classic Masters green, although I’m partial to the one I snagged a couple of years ago.
Masters hat
Have you seen all the hats? Surely there’s at least one you’d like. And maybe eight or nine.
Master towel
Get two! One for safe keeping or to display in your office and the other to latch on to your golf bag.
Masters logoed cup
These plastic keepsakes come with your beer. They are great to add to your kitchen cabinet at home, but please don’t be the guy digging through the trash trying to find more. It’s weird.
Masters koozie
Inexpensive. Won’t break. Handy. Great for the boat or a ball game this summer. Or to dole out to your golf buds.
Bonus 9th item: Masters gnome
Not easy to get! But they are a hot commodity. We won’t call it a must-have item since there are so few to go around, but if you grab one of these limited-edition goodies you might have won the week, even if you aren’t going home with a green jacket.
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