Warmth might have been the most sought-after item at the Masters Tournament on Saturday.

Lynn Pope, of Aiken, has her Masters badge pinned to her neck warmer as she sits at the second green. Windy conditions made temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s seem even colder. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

With temperatures that began in the 30s and peaked at 54 degrees, and with winds that blew large gusts of cold air all day, fans looked ceaselessly for ways to stay warm.

By midmorning, there appeared to be a run on anything long-sleeved or thick in the main gift shop. Shirts, jackets, windbreakers, even blankets were just as popular as the flags and visors.

Patrons walked in, made their selections and instead of asking for a bag, walked out wearing their purchases.

Wrapped up in a scarf that went around the wool hat that covered her hoodie, Betty Waring of Holly Hill, S.C., also wore a trench coat, long johns and thick, cotton-knit pants. Her face was barely visible.

Arriving at the course around 7 a.m., she knew it would be cold, but she didn't know how cold.

"I went in the gift shop for a blanket, but they were sold out," she said.

Bland Massie of Fort Valley, Ga., leaves a vapor trail at Augusta National Golf Club. (Andrew Davis Tucker/Staff)

Chris Anttonen, from Rumson, N.J., was able to get a blanket.

Clad in a throw featuring a scenic view of Augusta National that she bought "because it's way too cold," she also had what was possibly the only popsicle sold on the course.

"I'm thirsty," she said while adjusting her blanket. "And I'm tired of drinking Diet Coke."

Other patrons warmed up with cups of coffee or by cuddling.

Hazel Dewberry, of Modoc Shores, S.C., has been coming to the course for 50 years. She said she doesn't remember a colder day.

She came prepared, however, sporting pantyhose, thermal undershirts, a turtleneck, a cashmere sweater, a jacket, scarf, gloves and thick pants.

"Honey, I'm layered," she said. "The only thing I didn't do was my ears. Had I thought about it I would have brought earmuffs."

Even that wasn't enough. So Dewberry did what many did - sought sunnier ground.

The shaded areas of the course, usually popular during the Georgia spring, were nearly bare. People gathered in the open spaces of the course, consciously avoiding the shadows.

"If it doesn't sunshine, we don't sit," Dewberry said, making her way toward the No. 10 fairway with her husband and friends. "I doubt we'll stay here very long, though, because it looks like there's no sunshine."

Reach Kamille Bostick at (706) 823-3223 or kamille.bostick@augustachronicle.com.