Fans' Corner: By Sunday, some souvenirs were long gone

THERE AREN’T MANY downsides to coming to Augusta National on Masters Sunday. However, for patrons hoping to souvenir shop, many items had already left the shelves. Most notably sold-out was the CatStudio collection – a uniquely designed pillow, hand towel and frosted glasses. The collection was gone before Wednesday afternoon.

“It seems like the practice round fans always stock up on the good stuff,” said Tom Walker, of Atlanta. “I come every Sunday and the options can get pretty slim.”

Walker heard about the CatStudio items from a friend who went Monday. The Atlanta native received multiple requests for hand towels and frosted glasses.

“I guess they’ll be disappointed when I come back empty, but there’s nothing I can do,” Walker said. “Maybe next year the pro shop will even out what they sell each day.”

Also gone were some sizes in different shirt designs. The medium and large versions of at least four Masters Tech golf shirts were not available by noon Sunday.

“I’m thankful they still have ties and flags,” Walker said.

GUS MALZAHN WASN’T the only coach with Auburn ties at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday. Tommy Tuberville, who led the Tigers from 1999 to 2008, was spotted about 1 p.m. walking with two guests from the clubhouse oak onto the course. He was wearing a Cincinnati Bearcats hat, where he’s been head coach since 2013.

SOME PATRONS BUY T-shirts or hats as a Masters Tournament souvenir. That wasn’t the case Sunday for Rose Sherwood.

Sherwood, of Columbia, gathered up a dozen pine cones near No. 10 fairway and plans to turn them into Christmas ornaments.

“It’ll be my Masters tree,” Sherwood said. “I can’t think of a better souvenir and I didn’t even have to take out my pocketbook.

“I think my grandchildren will approve of my collection,” said Sherwood, 63. “My husband is over at No. 10 green and he thinks I’m crazy. I think it’s fun.”