AUGUSTA, Ga. — Sarah and Eric Elrod made their first visit to Augusta National on Thursday to check out the opening round of the 87th Masters Tournament – but before they got out to check out the immaculate golf course, they made a stop at the main Golf Shop.
They picked up some of the usual gear including hats, and also made a special purchase – obtaining a stuffed bunny that is only available when the Masters ends on Easter Sunday.
“We have a little girl, Blakely, who is 5 years old and she is really excited about Easter,” said Sarah, of Rockmart. “Then we saw the Easter bunny in there, so that was the pick.”
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Eric said that he and his wife will be at the tournament all week – with different family members coming in each day to join them. He was eyeing the course and couldn’t wait to see the action get started as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player had just hit their ceremonial tee shots on Hole No. 1.
“Our first stop was the golf shop, it was really nice, but crowded and kind of overwhelming,” Eric Elrod said. “We’re not huge golf fans, but this is a bucket list item for us to visit Augusta National. We’re just going to enjoy the atmosphere.”
While a lot of children will be receiving the cute stuffed bunnies that are brown, with big, floppy ears emboldened with the trademark Masters green color and the Masters emblem stamped into the left side of the chest — Lisa Travis of Aiken said she had a different purpose for the two bunnies she bought for $25 each before hitting the course.
“I come to the Masters every year,” Travis said. “And I get a lot of things from the gift shop, but this is the first time I’ve seen the bunnies. I didn’t realize they were such a hot commodity. I actually got them for my two Boykin Spaniels. Hank is 5-years-old and Teal is two. I felt guilty leaving them at home while I came to the tournament — so the bunnies are for them. I’m not sure how long the bunnies will last — I’ll let each of them play with them for a few minutes and then take them away, so they don’t destroy them right away.”
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