AUGUSTA DIARY: Fears opening round could be disrupted by thunderstorms, former champion Fred Couples is not a fan of LIV Golf… and £40 Masters gnomes are hot property
- Gnomes have become one of golf shop Masters’ most popular properties
- The opening round on Thursday could be contested by thunderstorms
- Danny Willett returns to Augusta after shoulder surgery
As is the norm, huge lines have crept out of the Masters golf shop as customers load up on prized merchandise not available for purchase anywhere else.
While there are plenty of grab balls, markers, T-shirts and clothing, $49.50 (£40) gnomes have become one of the most popular properties.
The craze started when bearded chaps were introduced in 2016.
The first edition sported an argyle vest, and last year’s resembled a patron with a stack of green and white cups.
This time he wears a bucket hat, a blue sweater and a bag with bats.
Gnomes have become one of the hottest properties at the Masters Golf Shop in Augusta
Stars in a pickle
Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular in the US.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is a big fan, as are Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson. However, it is not without danger.
At the Texas Open on Sunday, winner Akshay Bhatia had to step off the green during his play-off to tape up a shoulder he hurt while raising an arm in celebration.
The injury was due to a dislocated shoulder he suffered while playing pickleball.
Couples take a swipe at LIV
It’s safe to say that Fred Couples is not a fan of LIV Golf.
“Please don’t tell me the LIV Tour is as good as the PGA Tour. I don’t want to hear it,” said the 1992 winner, now 64.
Danny Willett, who stunned the world by taking the green jacket in 2016, returns to Augusta after reconstructive surgery on his shoulder.
The 36-year-old Yorkshireman will tee off just over six months after going under the knife.
The opening round of the Masters on Thursday could be contested due to thunderstorms
Storm threat for opening round
All eyes were on the solar eclipse on Monday – and that may be the case again on opening day.
Last year, amid high winds, customers were sent scrambling for cover on Saturday when three giant pine trees fell to the ground around the 17th.
This year the forecast for Friday through Sunday is much better, but on Thursday there is an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.