GOLF: Gnome more? Masters' most coveted souvenir may be on its way out

AUGUSTA, Georgia — Masters gnomes, among the most sought-after collectibles in sports, could be heading for a final run as fans line up before dawn at Augusta National Golf Club to secure what many believe may be the last edition.

For the past decade, the ceramic figures have been a must-have item inside the club’s merchandise shop, often selling out within an hour. Limited to one per patron, the gnomes have become a prized possession, commanding steep prices on the resale market.

Speculation circulating around the club suggests that 2026 could mark the end of the collectible’s run, elevating its status from a popular souvenir to a near-legendary keepsake.

Fans lucky enough to obtain one proudly carry it across the pristine grounds as the year’s first major tournament begins on Thursday, drawing admiration—and envy—from fellow patrons.

High Demand, Higher Value

This year’s edition features a white-bearded figure dressed in a blue Masters vest, holding a coffee cup and a working miniature umbrella. It is priced at $49.50 at retail.

However, on secondary markets, the value has surged dramatically. The 2026 gnome is already being resold for close to $1,000, while a complete set from 2016 to 2025 has been listed online for as much as $39,999.

Lisa Endredi of Augusta arrived at the course at 4 a.m. on Monday and waited three hours in line to secure two gnomes with her husband.

She plans to trade one for a ticket to the tournament’s opening round and keep the other as a display piece at home, underscoring the collectible’s growing cultural value among fans.

Secrecy Surrounds Future

True to tradition, officials at Augusta National Golf Club have not confirmed whether 2026 will indeed be the gnome’s final year. The club is known for maintaining strict privacy around its operations, including merchandise decisions.

Despite the uncertainty, demand remains at an all-time high.

Ava Powell of nearby Aiken, South Carolina, secured her first full-size gnome after multiple attempts over the years. She said the item will become a seasonal display in her home, much like holiday decorations.

A Lesson for First-Time Visitors

Not all fans were as fortunate. Chris Flanagan of Detroit missed out on the full-size version and settled for a smaller alternative, which lacks the themed designs of its larger counterpart.

Flanagan said he underestimated the demand and arrived too late, noting that those hoping to purchase the coveted item should be in line by at least 5:30 a.m.

With rumors of its possible retirement and demand continuing to surge, the Masters gnome has cemented its place as one of the most iconic collectibles in sports—making early mornings a small price to pay for fans hoping to take home a piece of tournament history. -Reporting by Frank Pingue in TorontoEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters