A Georgia man is facing federal charges after being accused of stealing millions of dollars of Masters merchandise and memorabilia from Augusta National Golf Club for more than a dozen years, according to court records. The 39-year-old man was charged with transporting stolen goods across state lines into Florida, as per court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The accused allegedly stole items from 2009 through 2022.
The man, identified as a former warehouse coordinator at Augusta National, was responsible for overseeing Masters memorabilia for years. The specific stolen goods taken have not been disclosed. Masters merchandise is exclusively sold on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, adding to its desirability for patrons.
Patrons flock to the gift shop at Augusta National to purchase coveted items like the popular garden gnomes, which have been a hit since their introduction in 2016. In 2022, the Masters Tournament reportedly generated $69 million in revenue from merchandise sales alone. However, some items, including the garden gnomes, end up on resale platforms like eBay at inflated prices.
The accused's arraignment is scheduled for next month, with reports indicating that he plans to enter a guilty plea. Upon conviction, he would be required to forfeit any property and cash obtained from proceeds linked to the stolen items, as per court documents.
