U.S. Open Merchandise Tents Wow the Crowd

Serving as a U.S. Open Hole Marshal has been a . Seeing the greatest golfers in the world has been exciting and educational—but what is as important as the golf and golfers? Shopping for souvenirs and anything having to do with golf at the magnificent U.S. Open Merchandise Pavilion.

This pavilion is at least the size of an airplane hangar and stocked with more U.S. Open/Congressional Country Club logo golf items than one can possibly imagine.

I never thought I would see such a variety of items upon which a logo could be embroidered, stamped, embossed, painted or printed. There are more golf hats, bags, shirts, visors, pins, flags, belts, skirts, shorts, pants, T-shirts, kids’ clothes and even teddy bears than I have ever seen at a PGA golf tournament. This is simply a golfer’s shopping dream—and all under one roof!

I mentioned in that I am a volunteer hole marshal on hole No. 6. For three days, I have observed a new trend in golf pro attire—the return of retro golf clothes. Bright pink, orange, green, red and even camouflage slacks, shirts or shoes can be spotted around the tournament.

Besides making the , golfers like Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler and Ben Crane are also making fashion statements with their florescent comfortable-looking clothing.

Much like the pastels and plaids of the past, these . If you look through the Golf Merchandise Pavilion, you will instantly be able to spot the ultra-brights. But don’t worry if the wild style is not your thing—the shop is packed with a wealth of more conservative golf shirts and matching shorts, skirts or pants by EP, Nike, Bobby Jones, Ralph Lauren and others.   

One interesting fact about the U.S. Open Merchandise Pavilion is there are “Merchandise Groupies” who travel each year to the U.S. Open to work in the Merchandise Pavilion in whatever city it might take place. These are eight guys who travel together to work the tent and then attend the U.S. Open. They spend the U.S. Open week together, having a wonderful time each year, yet don’t see one another until the next year.

One of the salesmen, Dennis Fischer of Oceanside, CA, said that he volunteered at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines as well as this year’s tournament at Congressional. Fischer said he plans to work the merchandise tent as long as they will have him.

“I love meeting people from around the world and seeing them enjoy the U.S. Open,” he said. “One time when I worked at Torrey Pines a man from Mexico bought $12,000 worth of U.S. Open items. That was the biggest sale I ever had. Most folks enjoy the Open and just want a few items to take home to their friends and family and as a remembrance of this wonderful event.”

Those of you who hold the coveted tickets to the U.S. Open should be sure to allow yourselves plenty of time to shop in the U.S. Open Merchandise Pavilion. You will be amazed by the variety, quality and quantity of golf items that you need to play like a pro.