Going to The Masters is the pinnacle experience for golf enthusiasts, a must on many fans’ bucket lists. Whether you’re charmed by Augusta’s quirky rules, enamored with its storied history, or secretly delighted to watch professional golfers crumble under pressure, the allure is undeniable. But let’s be honest, attending isn’t exactly cheap. Lottery winners might snag weekend badges for around $450, but most fans end up shelling out thousands once you factor in lodging, flights, meals, merchandise, and perhaps even a humbling round of golf with rental clubs.
According to a recent report by RotoGrinders costs to attend the Masters in 2026 have skyrocketed (when looking at accommodation for 2 adults during the Masters between the 8th and 13th of April in Augusta & its surrounding areas):
- A 5-night stay on Airbnb during the Masters costs (on average) $7,844, which is 23.0% more than the week before and 175.9% more than the week after.
- A 5-night stay on Booking.com during the Masters costs (on average) $5,643, which is 150.4% more than the week before and 537.7% more than the week after.
- When Booking.com & Airbnb data is combined, a 5-night stay during the Masters costs (on average) $6,744, which is 56.3% more than the week before and 261.8% more than the week after.
Naturally, some fans try creative ways to offset these expenses. While reselling exclusive merchandise is somewhat understandable, others get surprisingly inventive (and a bit shameless). Here are six hilariously questionable ways people attempted to recoup their Masters trip expenses in previous years
Vintage Sugar Packets and Matches – Sold for $22.00
Forget buying expensive polo shirts; apparently, you can just raid the concession stand for free sweeteners and fire-starters to help fund your trip. Some enterprising fan actually managed to turn a handful of sugar packets and matchboxes into a quick $22 profit.
Empty Water Bottles and Store Shopping Bag – Sold for 4.99
Yes, you read that correctly. Someone successfully sold empty water bottles alongside a used plastic shopping bag from the Masters gift shop. It appears even disposable items hold value if they boast that prestigious Augusta logo.
– $2,000
This might be the holy grail for Master’s eBay finds. A pimento cheese sandwich from 2019 recently sold (maybe who knows if it was paid) for $2,000. The sandwich looks moldy but does carry a story.
2024 Masters Spectator Guide – Augusta National Golf Club – 5.99
This free pamphlet, given out to spectators as a helpful souvenir, somehow managed to find a buyer despite likely being folded and crammed in a sweaty pocket all weekend. Clearly, there’s always someone willing to pay for a piece of the experience, even one that’s creased and slightly damp.
Vintage Official Masters Golf Tournament Augusta Cocktail Napkins – $13.50
Imagine the scenario: You’ve enjoyed a snack at the Masters and absentmindedly stuffed a few napkins into your pocket. Congratulations, you’ve accidentally invested in Masters collectibles. Even slightly stained, these napkins found an eager buyer.
17 Multi Year Masters Drink Cups – $100
Who knew saving your used beverage cups throughout the week (or in this case years) could be so lucrative? These plastic cups, undoubtedly once filled with lemonade or beer, are listed for $100 on eBay. One fan’s trash truly is another fan’s treasure.
6x Masters Augusta National Practice Golf Balls – $24
We’re stepping into ethically murky waters here, but somehow these practice balls ended up in someone’s bag and subsequently on eBay. Grass stains included, these well loved balls were quickly snapped up by a buyer eager for authentic Augusta dirt.
2025 Masters Golf National Badge Ticket – $210
The most understandable and legitimate resale item on this list is your Masters event badge. Collecting event badges and ticket stubs has surged in popularity, making them a viable way to reclaim some costs from your weekend adventure. You can find badges dating back decades, commemorating your favorite golfer’s career milestones.
The Masters GNOME – $400+
If you are lucky enough to snag one of the official Masters’ Gnomes, you can be looking at a pretty penny. They retail for $59.95 but can sell for 10x that amount on eBay.
Of course, it should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: this article is all in good fun. Any attempts to remove unauthorized items from Augusta National’s grounds are illegal and can ruin the experience for you and your fellow golf fans. So, stick to buying merch from the gift shop and leave the napkins and practice balls alone!
Do you have any storied Master’s badges or memorabilia? We’d love to see it on Mantel.
