New golf shop, patron corridor unveiled

A new Main Golf Shop, part of a revamped patron corridor, drew “oohs” and “ahs” Sunday morning as patrons arrived at Augusta National Golf Club.

The new facility has twice the space of the previous shop and resembles a large department store with its display of merchandise. There are 385 mannequins inside the shop, and there are 64 registers to ensure a quick checkout for customers.

For Francis Omar, of Grovetown, the main feature was the extra space that allowed him to navigate the shopping experience with ease.

“Love it,” he said. “It’s 10 times easier to go through.”

He and his wife, Lucrecia, filled up two shopping bags with shirts, T-shirts, caps and other items.

“It’s a beautiful building,” she said.

Improvements to the patron corridor include a new concessions area and new tables and chairs in the picnic area.

In the merchandise area, which was built where the former Press Building and golf shop existed, several new items debuted Sunday. One of the more popular items was a garden gnome that is dressed as an Augusta National caddie.

Other items include needlepoint wallets of the clubhouse and Amen Corner, and a variety of new keychain designs are also available.

“Every year there’s something different,” said Michael Porter, of Greenville, S.C. “I’ve been coming for 27 years and the shop never disappoints.”

Longtime Masters patron Holly Holman of North Augusta was among the first to shop in the new building Sunday morning. Like many, she lamented how much money she spent.

“The new golf shop is first class,” she said. “I wish I could put myself on spending restriction, but every year I fail miserably.

“Don’t ask me how many ball caps I bought this year.”

Staff writer Doug Stutsman contributed to this article.