Masters Gnomes Become Unlikely Must-Have Collectible

The limited-edition figurines have sparked a frenzy among golf fans, but their future may be uncertain.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A vibrant, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting a crowd of golf fans eagerly waiting to purchase a limited-edition Masters gnome, the central figure of the gnome surrounded by a frenetic swirl of brushstrokes capturing the excitement and anticipation of the scene.The limited-edition Masters gnomes have sparked a collecting frenzy, with fans lining up before dawn to secure the coveted figurines.Augusta Today

The Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia has seen the rise of an unlikely must-have collectible - the limited-edition Masters gnome. These 13.5-inch tall garden sprite figurines, dressed in a different outfit each year, have become a phenomenon, with fans lining up before dawn to try and secure one from the tournament's merchandise shop. The gnomes easily resell for over $1,000, making them a status symbol for those able to obtain them. However, there are rumors that this year could be the last for the Masters gnome, as the club may be unhappy with the resale market and the gnome hype overshadowing the tournament itself.

Why it matters

The Masters gnome craze reflects the tournament's culture of scarcity and exclusivity, where limited access only heightens demand. It has become a unique collectible that symbolizes the Masters experience for many fans. However, the gnome's potential discontinuation raises questions about Augusta National's ability to fully control the phenomenon it has created.

The details

The Masters gnome first debuted 10 years ago, and each year the figurine is dressed in a new outfit, with the 2026 edition even carrying an umbrella that opens. Patrons are only allowed to purchase one gnome each, leading to long lines before the gates open as fans try to secure the coveted item. While the gnomes are priced at $59.50, they easily resell online and in local shops for at least $1,000, with one antiques shop selling a 2019 gnome for $3,000. The gnome has become a status symbol, with fans carrying them around the course being congratulated and celebrated. However, there are rumors that Augusta National is unhappy with the resale market and that the gnome hype is overshadowing the tournament itself, leading to speculation that this could be the final year for the collectible.

  • The Masters gnome first debuted 10 years ago.
  • The 2026 edition of the Masters gnome features an umbrella that opens.

The players

Woody Wommack

The Social Media Director of Yahoo Sports, who attended the Masters as a spectator and was able to purchase a gnome.

Billy Condon

The Director of Sales at Skratch and Pro Shop, Inc., who purchases a Masters gnome annually as a way to commemorate his experiences at the tournament.

Fred S. Ridley

The Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, who has been asked about the future of the Masters gnome for several years but has not provided a definitive answer.

Mary Kate Morrissey

A Broadway actress and avid golf fan who secured a Masters gnome with her mom on the first day of the tournament.

Michael Kim

A golfer making his third Masters start in 2026, who posted on social media about purchasing a limited-edition set of all previous years' Masters gnomes.

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What they’re saying

“You're at the mercy of the Masters gods at that point if you're going to get one or not. When I left and I was walking the course holding the gnome, you're like a hero. People want to know how you did it. They want to know your tricks. People are congratulating you, patting you on the back. It's like you're walking out of the hospital with a newborn baby.”

— Woody Wommack, Social Media Director, Yahoo Sports

“It's special to have unique items that symbolize my Masters moments. I've been fortunate to attend the Masters both personally and professionally, and each gnome is a chapter in my Masters story.”

— Billy Condon, Director of Sales, Skratch and Pro Shop, Inc.

“Number one, the question is not trivial. Number two, I've been asking that question for several years, and they won't tell me the answer. So I can't help you.”

— Fred S. Ridley, Chairman, Augusta National Golf Club

“It's the iconic collectible from the Masters. Getting the gnome is a part of the experience! For the rest of the day as we're carrying them around, people were just clapping us on the back like, 'You got your gnome. Look at them! They got the gnome!'”

— Mary Kate Morrissey, Broadway Actress

“I've never bought a gnome but this one was pretty cool so I got one.”

— Michael Kim

What’s next

Rumors suggest this could be the final year for the Masters gnome, as Augusta National Golf Club may be unhappy with the resale market and the gnome hype overshadowing the tournament. The club's chairman has been asked about the gnome's future for several years but has not provided a definitive answer, leaving fans uncertain about the collectible's fate.

The takeaway

The Masters gnome craze highlights the tournament's culture of scarcity and exclusivity, where limited access only heightens demand for unique collectibles. While the gnome has become an iconic symbol of the Masters experience for many fans, its potential discontinuation raises questions about Augusta National's ability to fully control the phenomenon it has created.