Only got $100 for the Masters merch shop? Here’s how to best spend it
Let’s start with the obvious caveat: No one walks into the behemoth that is the Masters merchandise shop and only spends $100. It’s like opening up a package and not turning the bubble wrap into a keyboard: Perhaps it’s been done, but it takes a strong-willed soul to avoid the temptation.
More often, folks walk into the the outlet abyss like they’re going to battle. There’s a long breath and then they reach for their ammunition: a long, hand-written list of dozens of items and sizes given to them by every human who knows they’re at Augusta National Golf Club.
Then there’s a blur. A few $90 polos get thrown into the shopping bag. Then a half-dozen hats. Of course, a $49.50 gnome if they’re lucky (or early) enough. A few T-shirts get added. And then, when you think you’ve limited the damage, the merch shop checkout funnels you through a row of knick-knacks — very similar to a T.J. Maxx register setup.
And then comes that feeling that you didn’t get enough. When are you ever going to be back at the Masters? When are you ever going to have the chance to buy this stuff again? Imagine leaving with regret. Imagine reaching for a beer this summer and you don’t have a 2025 Masters koozie. How would you be able to live with yourself?
So you toss in the koozies. Then add a sleeve of golf balls for your boss. And two ball markers for your friends. And a few pins for fun. And some coasters and a keychain and a four other things.
Then there’s a blur again, and a receipt with a comma.
So let’s say you want to be a disciplined patron. That you were lucky enough to win the Masters ticket lottery, then shelled out a few weeks’ pay on travel and lodging and were dead set on not blowing out your budget at the merchandise shop. What should you get for $100? Here’s how we would go about it.
Item 1: Gnome shirt — $32
This is a more practical way to be a part of gnome mania. Unless your objective is to secure a big gnome ($49.50) — the 2025 version of which is incredible — and then throw it on eBay, where they’ve been selling for around $300, this is a more cost-efficient way to enjoy the gnome.
Among the many Masters T-shirts available, there is one with the Masters logo on the front and a Masters gnome holding a flag stick on the back. It comes in either green or white. Get the green — it’s more identifiable as a Masters color and, well, white stains.
Some gnome-lovers will insist on the smaller caddie gnome, which retails for $29.50, but that’ll just sit on a shelf and probably break during a move. Pick the shirt.
Item 2: Hat — $35
Pick a hat. Any hat. All the baseball caps are the same price.
If you’re a nostalgic person, opt for one of the caps that says the year. If the goal is to wear it around for every occasion, perhaps choose one of the retro-styled one — a version of which Scottie Scheffler wore while playing a practice round on Sunday.
The other options are the bright caps that very, very loudly say, “You’re darn right I went to the Masters.”
There’s a pink one that just says “Azalea.” An orange-ish one that simply reads “Pimento.” There are also ones that say “Amen Corner,” “Skip It” and “Crow’s Nest,” the last of which is a beer served on the course.
They look incredible at Augusta National. The jury is still out if you can wear them to dinner.
Item 3: Commemorative glasses (Set of 2) — $18
There’s a ton of glassware inside the merch shop. You ever wanted to drink Merlot from a Masters wine glass? For a hefty price, you could make that happen.
Most of the glasses are priced like well, expensive glasses. But there is a set of two commemorative glasses for just $18 that include an old-school design as well as a list of every Masters champion. It’ll probably be used more as a pencil holder than an actual drinking class, but you’re never finding a better pencil holder.
And, because there are two, you’ve given yourself a $9 item and simultaneously purchased a $9 Father’s Day gift. Now, that’s planning ahead.
Item 4: Koozies (Set of 2) — $10
That May barbecue is going to hit different when you slip a white claw into a Masters caddie-themed koozie.
And, of course, this is another gift item. Keep one. Give the other to your buddy and cheers during PGA Championship week.
Item 5: Two cups from the concession stand — $4
OK, this is a little bit of cheating.
Yes, the famous Masters cups aren’t sold inside the merch shop, but they are synonymous with the tournament. If you’ve never been to the tournament, these cups are are the coolest things on the planet.
Grab a few sodas on the course and either drink them or just toss the liquid into a bush. Just save the cups.
Because, again, you need gifts. You may not think you need gifts until you need them.
Friends. Co-workers. Parents. In-laws. Spouses. Whoever. You will tell people about the Masters, and when they begin to talk your ear off, there is no better move than giving them something from the tournament.
The cups are cheap. They are rare. And they will grant you an incredible amount of brownie points.
Total: $99
Masters TV, stream schedule
- Wednesday: Par 3 contest, noon, ESPN Plus; 2 p.m., ESPN
- Thursday: Round one, 3-7 p.m., ESPN
- Friday: Round two, 3-7 p.m., ESPN
- Saturday: Round three, noon to 2 p.m., Paramount Plus; 2-7 p.m., CBS
- Sunday: Round four, noon to 2 p.m., Paramount Plus; 2-7 p.m., CBS
