Fan notes for Sunday, April 2

Brush with greatness: Craig Stevens leaned over and whispered five words to his son: “Here comes a legend, Jackson.”

Wearing a green jacket, Lynn Swann was briskly walking from the Augusta National clubhouse toward the putting green near the first tee. However, before greeting Drive, Chip and Putt competitors, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Hall of Fame receiver extended a hand toward Jackson, 11.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Swann,” said Jackson.

“Very nice to meet you, too,” said Swann, now the University of Southern California’s athletic director.

Swann was one of numerous Augusta National members on hand Sunday for the annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.

“It’s not every day you get to shake hands with someone like that,” said Stevens, of Marietta, Ga. “I know it meant a lot to Jackson.”

Spieth signs: With a shaking right hand, 13-year-old Patrick Thomas handed a Masters flag to Jordan Spieth.

“I was really hoping he’d be here,” Patrick said as he looked at the signature. “I can’t wait to show my friends back in Charlotte.”

The 2015 Masters champion, on hand Sunday for the annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, allotted more than 15 minutes to sign autographs.

Other Masters winners on the grounds included Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel, Fuzzy Zoeller, Mark O’Meara, Nick Faldo, Tommy Aaron and Craig Stadler.

“I think it’s great they come here to show support,” Patrick said. “Jordan has a huge week, so it means a lot to know he cares about the young people who look up to them.”

Kennedy Smith, a 16-year-old from Birmingham, Ala., was able to meet Spieth on the driving range during the Drive, Chip and Putt contest.

“He was so nice,” Kennedy said. “I’ve heard some players don’t like to sign autographs, but he waited for everyone who wanted one. That meant a lot to me.”

Time to shop: It was the cheapest item in Michelle Boone’s shopping bag. It was also her favorite.

The Atlanta woman was one of numerous patrons Sunday to purchase the new Masters coffee mug, which depicts the Augusta National Golf Club clubhouse.

“I absolutely love it!” Boone said to her husband, Michael. “You know how much I love coffee mugs.”

The mug, which costs $12, is one of many new items in the merchandise shop this year.

Also on display were different designs of garden flags, as well as an extended collection of items from Catstudio. Last year, Catstudio designed frosted glasses, pillows and hand towels, but the company has added a $125 table tray for this year’s Masters Tournament.

“Honestly, it’s overwhelming – but in a good way,” Boone said. “Each year I tell myself I’ll only spend $100, but obviously wind up splurging. You know, it’s the Masters. It’s worth it.”

Other new pro shop items include mesh hats with a “1934 Masters” inscription, several new golf bag towels and memo cubes.

– Doug Stutsman, staff writer