If you were one of the lucky few to score badges for the Masters this year, cheers! It’s a big deal… prices have gone up significantly over the past few post-COVID years, which has changed the dynamic of the event. If you’ve been before, I think you know what I mean. If you haven’t then you are about to experience an event so well-run and so well-thought-out it’s completely unique sporting experience. Not to mention the incredible Southern hospitality.
This post is ultimately about Masters attire. Two parts: first, what to wear as a Patron. Second, what to buy in the Merch tent. Let’s start off with the easy one: what to wear. I’ve been lucky enough to go to the Masters a few times, and I think I have it dialed in: GO TRADITIONAL. This is for a few reasons:
First – pay respect to the Mecca of Golf. It’s a church. Second – there will be photographs, so don’t put yourself in a position where your Rickie Fowler-inspired all-orange pallet with a printed polo and flat-billed hat will be embarrassing to have on your desk. Lastly – it looks better. Period. Here’s what I do:
From top left:
1. Sid Mashburn White Pique Polo: A well-fitting white cotton polo. The building block of any great outfit. Sid does it well- it’s the collar that sets it apart.
2. Tour Visor: Something nice from your club or from RCS (shameless plug).
3. Blair’s Belts Stretch Belt: I’ve grown to love these belts over the last few years, as I’ve moved away from graphic/cartoony belts. Blair knows what’s up here – the green with alligator tabs is a GREAT look.
4. Holderness & Bourne Haynes Vest: Just in case it gets a little chilly or windy, you have something lightweight to throw on. Switch this out for a simple windbreaker if the weather calls for rain.
5. Duck Head Gold Patch 7″ Shorts: Simple, and classic. Good, deep pockets. And the old-school gold patch is a nice nod to the nostalgic feeling of the ‘good old days’, which the Masters works to celebrate too.
6. Oakley Frogskins: The sun reflects pretty hard off of those bright white bunkers. Don’t forget your shades.
7. Nike Air Pegasus ’89 G: NEVER wear traditional (spiked) golf shoes to Augusta, as you aren’t playing. Brands have done a good job of embracing the golf shoe/athletic shoe hybrid. These ’89 Pegasus from Nike are so good. I ordered a pair for myself.
Put that on and you won’t regret anything about it. You’ll be dressed better than 85% of the patrons walking the grounds.
Now, once you are there, you will visit the merch tent. And it’s much more than a tent- the merchandise buildings are probably the largest structures on the property. And there are a few of them. Once you get in, there is a palatable rush to buy everything. You MUST fight this urge.
Here’s why I say that: the Masters logo is getting close to commoditization. Walk through an airport or Home Depot this time of year, and you’ll see what I mean. Masters logos are everywhere and on everything. It makes me sad. That iconic logo has a luster that doesn’t need to be offered on weird, random merch. No one needs Masters grill tools or shower curtains. Keep your buys at a level that is synonymous with the event itself: Classy, understated, high quality. Here’s what I recommend:
Must Gets:
- White -OR- green cotton dated dad hat. Commemorate your visit.
- Christmas ornament <<< This is a MUST from Mrs. RCS (her only purchase each year)
- A solid polo (white, navy, or Masters green). Preferably cotton, but something you can wear to work and/or under a sport coat.
- Solid Quarter Zip -OR- Vest.
- Tervis -OR- coffee mug
- Stuff for kids (polos, t-shirts, Tervis)
Maybes:
- T-shirt. I have the ‘A Tradition Like No Other’ from ~6-7 years ago and love it.
- Belt. As long as it’s a simple design – nothing overly graphic or cartoony.
- Tour visor. If they still sell them…if not, get an old Texace version from Ebay.
- Tilley Hat. I know it’s weird, but I have to wear them on the beach/fishing, and they are extremely high quality.
Obviously up for debate… we would love to hear your thoughts below. Otherwise, enjoy the greatest sports week of the year, folks!
