Recession? What recession?

Patrons can get their bearings using the new directional signs in front of the main scoreboard. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff)

If the economy is still in a bind, the crowds that rushed the golf shops during Monday's practice round for the Masters Tournament clearly didn't care.

"I got a shirt for my wife, a shirt for the owner of the company I work for, and towels and caps for my kids," said Grant Short, of Salt Lake City, who is on his first trip to Augusta.

"We flew in last night and fly back out tonight," he said. "So we had to do some shopping."

Caps and shirts are perennial best-sellers, but if it says Masters on it, fans will buy it. Fast-moving items Monday included highball and wine glasses, umbrellas, playing cards, and key chains. Shops also offered stuffed animals, just in time for Easter.

Alex Colligan, 6, of Augusta, scored a handsome new sweater while touring the course with his dad, Derek.

"We picked up two golf hats. We also got the sweater and a ball marker, and I guess that's it," he said with a smile. "For now."

Patrons also snapped up towels, sunscreen and lip balm, and scanned display cases of jewelry.

Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.