LA JOLLA, CALIF. — Walk around any golf club in the United States and you will see logos everywhere. Apparel brands, local clubs and maybe a few destination resorts like Bandon Dunes or Pinehurst. Masters gear is prized because the only place where you can get Masters swag is at Augusta National during the tournament.
The USGA sells a lot of U.S. Open merchandise and according to Mary Lopuszynski, who is the organization’s managing director of merchandising and licensing, most of it is purchased in massive pavilions at the host course. Back in 2008, when the U.S. Open was played at Torrey Pines, the merchandise tent was, in fact, 42,000-square feet. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no merchandise tent at the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Merchandise was sold online, but nothing was for sale at the course.
This year, as the U.S. Open returns to Torrey Pines, the merchandise tent returns, too. It’s open on two sides, and therefore considered to be an outdoor space by the state of California. But it is just 12,000 square feet this year, and features only four apparel brands instead of the typical eight or nine.
Hats are usually the biggest seller because they are less expensive, can be worn immediately and make an easy gift. Clothing is getting more and more popular, and according to Lopuszynski, lifestyle items are also popular.
If you are going to be one of the lucky few to attend the 2021 U.S. Open in person, the merchandise tent is on the left side of the first fairway. If not, you can buy official U.S. Open gear online. Below are some of the cool things you can get to commemorate this year’s event at Torrey Pines.