TEE-TIME TALES: Eye-watering merchandise prices – including £73 coffee coasters – stars ‘going underground’ and a distinct lack of LIV memorabilia among fans

Roll up for the annual Masters money-making machine. In a smart marketing move, punters can only buy the iconic, red-flagged merch from the venue. And Augusta National cashes in. 

Thirty-minute queues are the norm to enter the store and inside are eye-catching items with eye-watering prices. A rucksack will set you back $79 (£60), and a hand-stitched can cooler is $35 (£27). 

A wallet costs $130 (£100), the same price for a head cover for a driver, and a set of coffee table coasters is $95 (£73). Christmas Tree globes are $38 (£29) and you can recreate the smell of Augusta in your living room with an Azalea-scented candle priced at $48 (£37). 

Mail Sport asked a cashier what was the most a patron had spent yesterday. ‘It’s only been $3,000 (£2,300),’ they responded, deadpan. ‘It’s been pretty quiet.’

Thirty-minute queues are the norm to enter the store and inside are eye-catching items

LIV-EXIT

They may have wanted to take on the world with their team concept but the lack of LIV memorabilia sported by patrons at Augusta has been noticeable. 

At least many of the agents of players on the breakaway tour have been doing their bit by arriving decked out in full regalia.

RORY AND CO GO UNDERGROUND 

Rory McIlroy and the rest of the Masters field have gone underground — at least on arrival here.

This year a new underground car park has opened as part of a ‘Player Services Project’ aimed at giving competitors the best facilities in sport. 

Rory McIlroy and the rest of the Masters field have gone underground this year

Phase Two will see the construction of a player services building, with state-of-the-art fitness, physio and locker rooms along with a restaurant where players can eat with their families. 

It is due to open next year and, according to chairman Fred Ridley, will be a facility ‘unlike anything in sports’