The Masters Provided Viewing Glasses for Solar Eclipse Today

The Masters provided viewing glasses for today's solar eclipse to all patrons entering the Augusta National Golf Club today for the first round of practice.

Patrons were handed a unique complementary collectible:  some customized solar glasses when they entered the course today, complete with a Masters Tournament logo on each side.

Today's solar eclipse will be visible from Augusta National starting at 1:50 pm.  The peak will be at roughly 3:04 pm.  The eclipse will end at 4:32 pm

"During the eclipse, please do not look at the sun without appropriate solar glasses.  We ask that you exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while wearing the glasses," read a statement from Augusta National Golf Club.

Augusta National officials say the optimal viewing position for the eclipse on the course today will be Amen Corner.

This is only the second time in history that the Masters Tournament will be affected by a solar eclipse.  The first time was during the final round of The Masters on April 7, 1940.  The annual eclipse obscured about 90% of the sun then.

Keep in mind it is not safe to look directly at the sun during the eclipse without special protection for your eyes.   Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses.  They are thousands of times darker.

"The sun's light is extremely powerful and it will potentially burn your retina causing partial to full blindness that can be permanent," said Dr. Seth Lampert of Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts.  Be careful about the solar glasses you are using.  Lambert cautions there are a lot of knock-offs out there that don't protect your eyes properly.  Make sure you get standardized, ISO certified glasses for maximum safety.

Also, remember to wear sunscreen if you are in direct sunlight, and don't forget a hat and protective clothing to prevent damage to your skin.

Are you on the hunt for some Masters merchandise? They say the only way to get your hands on Masters Merchandise is to buy it at the tournament, but that is not fully true. We've got 5 places to get your thrifted Masters Merch in Augusta.

Whether you're in the gates of the Augusta National or not, but want to find some Master's gear, you've come to the right place - Augusta, Georgia that is!

The 2024 Masters tournament's first round will begin Thursday, April 11, with the first tee times expected shortly after 8:30 a.m. ET.

The second round begins Friday, April 12, with the first tee times expected shortly after 8:30 a.m. ET.

The third round begins Saturday, April 13, with the first tee times expected shortly after 11 a.m. ET.

The final round begins Sunday, April 14, with the first tee times expected shortly after 11 a.m. ET.

There are many spots like thrift stores and antique malls to explore here that specialize in golf memorabilia.

Are you looking for t-shirts, polo shirts, or golf skirts - whatever you are looking for these stores are ready for you to come and take a peak. At the tournament, most women go for a chic and comfortable look. This look can range from dresses to skirts or pants. Men usually put on their best golf attire, which includes a polo shirt and lightweight pants or shorts.

For both men and women, it's important to layer because the weather may go from rain to sun in a matter of hours.

If you're trying to get your Masters fit together or just want to represent the big tournament, you've got plenty of options to choose from. And don't count out thrift stores like Goodwill or Uptown Cheapskate. You are sure to find some Masters gear in those stores as well.

Below we have put together a list of 5 locations in Augusta where you can get thrifted Masters merch.

This store was Voted “Best Antique Store” by readers of Augusta Magazine (2023). They are located on Washington Road.

2825 Washington Rd Suite D, Augusta, GA 30909

More golf memorabilia is sold here at Uptown Marketplace. They are located off of Washington Road as well.

3830 Washington Road Suite 15

The owner sells and buys older and new badges. The owner also buys and sells other Masters and Augusta National stuff like Autographs, flags, employee items, etc. The shop is at 140 Davis Rd. Martinez GA 30907.

This local thrift store has saved all of their Masters merch till now just for you and the sale is on! This is their 5th Annual Tee-Rific Golf Sale which started Tuesday, April 2nd at 8 am.

Location: 3229 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta

Even this thrift store will have a fair share of Masters gear. Uptown Cheapskate is a buy, sell, trade, fashion exchange store. There is two locations in the area.