The must-have merch from Pinehurst’s US Open mega-tents. You’ll never guess the best-seller

The 10 best items in the US Open shop

I took a meander around Pinehurst’s 35,000 square foot merchandise tent to pick out my 10 favorite US Open keepsakes.

I don’t do shopping. I’m the type of guy who finds a chair and starts moaning about how my feet ache after five minutes of entering a clothes shop with my wife. Not today though.

I have a few exceptions, and golf shops are one of them. In case you’re interested, wine merchants and gaming shops also make the cut. Ironic really, as I don’t know the difference between a Malbec and a Merlot, and haven’t played my Switch since throwing it at the wall after losing to Ganon 124 times in a row in Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

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Why does that number ring a bell? Ah yes, it’s plastered on just about everything you can think of scattered around Pinehurst’s mega-merchandise stores. From towels to tees, belts to balls, and caps to coasters – you’ll find the iconic Pinehurst Putter Boy logo front and center, almost making you feel bad for walking past without parting way with your cash.

Granted, these mega-tents don’t have the same Masters-majesty as the pristine purpose-built multi-million buck Augusta mall, but they’re impressive nonetheless, rattling through 20,000 transactions a day thanks to an army of volunteers. And unlike Augusta National, there are no ridiculous queues, and if you’re not in the North Carolina vicinity, all US Open merchandise can be purchased online via the USGA’s online store.

So, without further ado, here are my top 10 items from Pinehurst No.2!

And the best-seller is….The Lazy Susan – $125

OK, I’m sure more caps and ball markers are sold in reality, but according to the very knowledgeable store assistant I spoke to, it’s the Lazy Susan that the USGA can’t restock quickly enough. And if you’re not sure what one is… I suggest you head down to your local Chinese restaurant where you are bound to see the rotating tray-like device in action. It doesn’t need to be used for dim sum exclusively though. Whiskey, cheese, and small children all work well.

Pinehurst US Open caps – $32

I love a good cap and you’ll find them wall-to-wall at Pinehurst in just about every style, pattern, and color combination you can imagine. Due to the amount of choice, finding your perfect cap might just be the hardest task in the store.

Pinehurst US Open license plate – $58

A personal favorite. How good would this look on your office wall?

Pinehurst US Open pitchers – $85

Not exactly a bargain, but these pitchers and mugs look pretty cool in my opinion. A touch of Lord of the Rings springs to mind for some reason. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been walking around a forest all day?

Pinehurst US Open headcovers – $50

It’s difficult not to be drawn toward these headcovers, emblazoned with the Putter Boy logo and dressed in red, white, and blue. I feel like I’m going to be leaving with the driver headcover for some reason.

Pinehurst US Open oversized golf balls – $15

Somehow I don’t think I’ll be cramming one of these into my hand luggage for the flight home. A great way to take up some space on the bookshelf to hide the fact you don’t read many books.

Pinehurst US Open flags – $18

The classic piece of office memorabilia, and for just $18 bucks it’s a relatively low-cost purchase that you can’t go wrong with. If you can get one signed, even better!

Pinehurst US Open gambler hat – $39

Channel your inner Greg Norman with this gambler hat that is made for a stroll through the pines.

Pinehurst US Open belts – $68

Strap up and complete your look with an official Pinehurst US Open belt.

Pinehurst US Open Titleist golf balls – $55

Again, you can get them anywhere, but not with the limited edition 124th logo. Save them for your club championships if you’re prone to taking scenic routes around the course, or distribute them to friends and family to earn some brownie points.

Of course, you will find every imaginable piece of golfing attire too, from performance polos to gilets to baby grows from official outfitter Peter Millar, along with all the biggest brands in the game. The best clobber is for you culture vultures to decide though. If you are taking fashion advice from me, then something really has gone awry!

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About the author

Ross Tugwood

Senior Digital Writer

Ross Tugwood is a Senior Digital Writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science, and innovation.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute, and Team GB.

He is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with post-graduate degrees in Performance Analysis and Sports Journalism, enabling him to critically analyze and review the latest golf equipment and technology to help you make better-informed buying decisions.