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Posted April 1, 2018, 8:03 pm
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    PJ Maybank III, the winner of the boys 12-13 division in the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, shows off his Jack Nicklaus socks after the finals. [ANDY NELSON/THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE]

As Caroline Jones stood behind the No. 18 green, a familiar face politely said, “Excuse me.”

“I turn around and it’s Bubba Watson,” said Jones, who drove to Augusta from Marietta, Ga. “That was crazy.”

Watson was one of numerous Masters champions to take in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on Sunday. For close to 45 minutes, the two-time Masters winner watched from the left side of the 18th green as the 7-9 boys age division putted for a chance to earn the title.

“I think it’s great to see Bubba show his support,” Jones said. “Especially on Easter. He could have easily stayed home with his family – this was a very kind gesture for him to come out here. … I’ll definitely be pulling for him to win this week.”

GNOME RETURNS: After a year away, the popular garden gnome has returned to the Masters merchandise shop.

Jenny O’Neal was one of the first patrons to notice Sunday and quickly grabbed three for family members.

“I remember seeing them two years ago but I didn’t get one,” said O’Neal, of Aiken. “I was so mad at myself. Then when I finally decided I wanted one it was too late – they had all sold out.”

The bearded gnome wears a Masters caddie uniform, with the No. 18 on his outfit. It costs $39.50.

“Totally worth it,” O’Neal said. “This will complete my garden.”

FREE GIFTS: Dakota Holloway left Augusta National with multiple Easter surprises.

Standing along the rope beside the members' pro shop, the 8-year-old was handed golf balls by Masters competitors Kevin Chappell and Haotong Li.

“This is so exciting,” said Dakota, who attended the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals with her friend, Addison Rae Barrett. “Those are the first two golf balls I’ve ever been given.”

Sunday marked Dakota’s first time at Augusta National, while Addison Rae was making her second visit. Addison Rae, who turns 8 this week, was given balls by Li and 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott.

PIMENTO FAN: Most patrons arrive at Augusta National with hopes of watching golf. That wasn’t the case Sunday for Tampa, Fla., native Brittany Steward.

“My top priority was trying the pimento cheese sandwich,” said Steward, 33, who came with her boyfriend, Tom Ross. “When I walked in the gate, I wasn’t looking for the golf course. I was searching for a concession stand.”

For Steward, the sandwich didn't disappoint.

“So many people told me, ‘You have to try the pimento cheese and egg salad,’” Steward said. “Well, I’m not a big egg salad person, so that left me with only one option.”