The Loop

Even tour pros load up on Masters merchandise

April 07, 2014

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It was not just the inclement weather that prompted Masters participants to populate the pro shop at Augusta National GC Monday morning. Most visitors to the famed club arrived armed with their shopping lists, and players are no different.

While patrons crowd into the large merchandise building near the front entrance, players can do their shopping in the pro shop adjacent to the clubhouse. Seen browsing the aisles were Ian Poulter, Peter Hanson, John Senden and former U.S. Open champion Steve Jones. Jones is in attendance because all major championship winners receive honorary (non-playing) invitations to Augusta National.

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"This is my fourth year, and I can't tell you how much I've spent," Hanson said with a laugh as he looked over wallets and money clips. "You can always find some really cool things in here."

Jones was shopping for shirts for friends, while Poulter was looking for something for his father. "What would he like from here? He likes everything," Poulter said with a grin.

Indeed, like everything else at the year's first major, what's not to like?