Masters' Garden Gnome Becomes Hottest Souvenir

Adorable figurine inspires predawn lines and soaring resale prices as rumors swirl of its demise

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:34pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in vibrant neon colors depicting a crowd of golf fans excitedly rushing to purchase the iconic Masters garden gnome, capturing the excitement and anticipation of this unique annual tradition.The frenzy surrounding the limited-edition Masters garden gnome reflects the tournament's exclusivity and the thrill of collecting a unique souvenir.Augusta Today

The most popular figure at the 2026 Masters golf tournament might not be any of the star players, but rather an adorable garden gnome figurine that has become a must-have souvenir. Introduced a decade ago, the Masters gnome inspires long lines and frenzied buying each morning, with the rarest versions selling for thousands on the secondary market. As rumors circulate that this year's 10th-anniversary edition could be the last, fans are determined to secure one before they disappear.

Why it matters

The Masters gnome has become a unique tradition and collectible item that reflects the tournament's exclusivity and the psychology of collecting. Despite the tournament not needing the revenue, the limited availability and changing designs of the gnomes have turned them into a sought-after item that represents the Masters experience for many fans.

The details

Each morning during Masters week, hundreds of people line up before the gates open to try to purchase one of the fewer than 1,000 gnomes released that day. The gnomes, which cost $59.50 each, are only available for purchase on-site during the tournament and are hand-painted ceramic figurines featuring the Masters logo and various accessories. Rumors that this year's 10th-anniversary edition could be the last have only increased demand, with resale prices on the secondary market ranging from $500 to $800 for recent models and up to $18,000 for the inaugural 2016 version.

  • The Masters garden gnome was first introduced in 2016.
  • The gnomes are released each morning during Masters week, with fewer than 1,000 available per day.
  • A March 2026 Golf Digest story suggested the 10th-anniversary edition of the gnome could be the last.

The players

Lexi Figueredo

A fan who has attended the Masters five times and was determined to secure a garden gnome this year.

Fred Ridley

The chair of Augusta National, who acknowledged the popularity of the Masters garden gnome but declined to comment on its future.

Dan Noe

A fan from Dallas who has attended the Masters five times and has managed to get a Masters garden gnome the past two years, despite being offered $500 to sell it.

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What they’re saying

“'Look at this little umbrella. It is so cool. I felt very inspired.'”

— Lexi Figueredo

“'I've been asking that question for several years and they won't tell me the answer. So I can't help you.'”

— Fred Ridley, Chair of Augusta National

“'People offered me $500 last year. I can't do it. A million, maybe. But otherwise? Not for sale.'”

— Dan Noe, Masters Fan

What’s next

Tournament officials have not confirmed whether the 2026 Masters garden gnome will be the last edition, leaving fans eager to secure one before a potential discontinuation.

The takeaway

The Masters garden gnome has become a unique tradition and collectible item that reflects the tournament's exclusivity and the psychology of collecting. Its limited availability and changing designs have turned it into a must-have souvenir that represents the Masters experience for many fans.