Patrons show off their colorful outfits at Masters

Terry Heaton sported blue knickers and a blue, white and red striped vest with matching socks Tuesday. His attire was inspired by golfer Payne Stewart, who died in a plane crash Oct. 25, 1999.

“He was one of my favorites,” Heaton said as he watched players tee off on No. 1 during the Masters practice round.

The 76-year-old Northville, Mich., resident felt the outfit brought the golf hall of famer known for wearing plus fours back to life. Many who knew Stewart shared similar thoughts.

“More men than women,” Heaton said. “I’ve heard them all and I’ve received a lot of smiles even if they don’t say much. My day is complete because I felt them all. I’ve been very blessed.”

PHOTOS: Friday's second round patrons

Heaton was among a number of patrons who wore colorful outfits to either honor a player,  show support for one, or just to stand out among the crowd.

Murph Nelson, 56, wore 1970s-inspired pants with bright pink, orange and white patterns, and a white collared top. He said the pants were a gift from his girlfriend who purchased it specifically for his Tuesday visit to the golf club. He had no concerns about the attention the outfit drew.

“It’s just a festive event and it makes me feel festive,” said the 56-year-old Anchorage, Alaska, resident who ended his trip to the Augusta National on Tuesday with Canadian friends.

“I’ve seen it (the tournament) on TV so many times and wanted to be a part of it,” he said.

Larry Gibson knew he would wear his Loudmouth golf outfit inspired golfer John Daly. He also wore red and white pants patterned with the maple leaf to honor his native Canada.

“We call these the ‘Oh, Canada,’ shorts,” the 60-year-old resident of Fort Erie, Ontario, said as some patrons took second glances at him outside of the concessions area.

The outfit brought luck to Gibson during the Waste Management Phoenix Open earlier this year. He hoped for the same luck during his Tuesday visit.

“I had it on when (Canadian golfer) Adam Hadwin threw me a golf ball (in Phoenix),” said Gibson, who said it took him 30 years to get the opportunity to attend the Masters.

Gibson was not alone in looking to show his Canadian pride.

Lori Spoltore and her three friends sported a variation of red and white tops with skirts that had Canadian flags on them. The group lingered outside of the concessions area Tuesday afternoon as they met with other Canadian residents.

"We've been meeting mutual Canadian all day," said Spoltore, 48. "From provinces all over (Canada). The friendliness and the environment gives justice to the (Masters) experience."  

Reeve Brandon and his friends Greg Hatcher and Matt Waldis just wanted to create a conversation piece. The Michigan State grads replicated their school's colors with checkerboards of green and white and the Spartans knight mascot on their pants.

"It sparks positive conversation," Brandon said as a passing patron cheered the friends. "We're huge fans of Michigan State and we just wanted to show our pride and happiness."

Shaun McGovern, 41, and five of his pals hoped to do the same as they sported the green and yellow colors of Australia on their pants and shirts. The back of Govern's shirt detailed his nickname, "Guvo." 

"We wear it every year just to show our support to the Aussies. It helps us find each other as well," said the Sydney resident Wednesday as he searched for the group around the Par-3 course.

Also attracting lots of attention was Derek Eppenbrock. His gold waterproof sneakers could be spotted from the bottom of a hill near a Masters scoreboard Wednesday morning. It complimented the 37-year-old's red and white pants dappled with images of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on them.

"I'm pretty quiet but usually my outfit does the talking. I like PBR, bright colors and fancy patterns," he said as some patrons stopped to snap a quick photo of him.