Tomorrow, one day shy of seven years since the United States Golf Association named it the host site, Erin Hills will find itself the focus of the golf world, with action at the 117th U.S. Open commencing at 6:45 a.m. While fans will flock to the Wisconsin location to see amazing action, with Dustin Johnson, the world’s top-ranked player, looking to become the first repeat winner since Curtis Strange in 1989, they will also have four days to make off with amazing merchandise.
The conqueror of the competition at the 11-year-old course will walk away with a record-setting $2.16 million from an unprecedented $12 million purse. Those totals mean the professional ball strikers will certainly be paying added attention to their drives and putts, and peddlers will likewise strive to be on top of their game. The folks at Golf Digest compiled a 12-item-strong list of the best merchandise finds, and we are particularly compelled to chronicle a couple of their selections.
The magazine gave some local love to Jean’s Clay Studio by plugging the entity’s pottery cups. Giving a great nod to Irish culture by incorporating Erin Hills’ clover theme, the stoneware could lend a little luck to a consumer looking to be well above par with respect to having an eye for craftsmanship. Apparel will always appeal to golf lovers, but a bit of artistic adulation can prove a fitting way to celebrate the game, too. Thanks to artist Lee Wybranski, those who go giddy for the game can buy limited edition prints depicting the longest hole in the tournament’s history, Erin Hills’ 18th stop.
The online store features customary goodies and a few unique items, including rompers for the youngest fans among us (sorry, gentlemen, the site does not cater to your growing interest in the garments), tailgate and party products and accessories like a toiletry kit, money clip, lapel pin and bottle opener keychain.
Come Sunday evening, one fortunate fellow will have emerged from the field and earned the right to hold aloft the winner’s trophy, and enthusiasts will leave the galleries to start to head back home with ample proof of promotional products’ pull. May the action and the merchandise be equally memorable.
