Masters pimento cheese sandwich remains $1.50, unchanged since 2002
The Story
The pimento cheese sandwich sold at the Masters golf tournament continues to cost $1.50, a price that has not changed since 2002, according to a report by NPR. The sandwich first appeared on the menu when the tournament began in 1934, when it cost 30 cents — the equivalent of over $7 today. Most other menu items at Augusta National Golf Club are priced no higher than $3.00, with beer and wine the most expensive at $6.00 each. A spectator quoted last year described the low prices as a “pleasant surprise” after paying elevated prices at other sporting events. The club has historically emphasized keeping the menu simple and affordable, with then-chairman Billy Payne stating in 2007 that the cost of the pimento cheese sandwich is taken as seriously as course maintenance. The Masters makes the majority of its revenue from merchandise sales, with concessions accounting for only $8 million of an estimated $141 million in 2022 revenue, according to Forbes. In contrast, tournament ticket prices have risen, with four-day badges costing $525 this year, up from $450 in the previous three years.
Key Facts
- The Masters pimento cheese sandwich has cost $1.50 since 2002, and was on the menu since 1934 at 30 cents.
- No menu item costs more than $3.00 except beer and wine at $6.00.
- A patron could buy all 27 menu items for $78.75 total.
- The sandwich was originally made by local caterers; all concessions moved on-site in 2013.
- Menu changes include a chicken salad wrap becoming a brioche sandwich in 2021, a tomato pie debuting in 2025, and blueberry muffins and cheese straws increasing 50 cents since last year.
- Practice-round tickets cost $125 and $150; tournament rounds cost $160; four-day badges cost $525 (up from $450).
- Resale tickets are prohibited but available on secondary platforms: single-round over $6,000, four-day over $20,000.
- A souvenir gnome costs $59.50 (up $10 from last year), with a limit of one per customer; roughly 1,000 are available daily.
- Forbes estimated 2022 revenue at $141 million: $69 million from merchandise, $8 million from concessions.
- Other event snacks: US Open Honey Deuce $23 last year, Kentucky Derby mint julep $22 (from 75 cents in 1940).
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
Whether the souvenir gnome will return in future years; officials have not confirmed or denied rumors that 2026 might be its last year.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Billy Payne: Augusta National Chairman (as of 2007)
- Monica Johnson: spectator quoted from a previous year
Sources: NPR
