Masters gnomes a hot commodity at Augusta National amid speculation this is final year of production
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — John James arrived at Augusta National an hour before the gates opened to patrons for the 90th Masters — all for the purpose of securing a 13 1/2-inch tall gnome. “Had to have one,” said James, who was attending the Masters from Wyckoff, New Jersey.
“It's a novelty. ” This is the 10th and perhaps final year Augusta National will sell the limited edition gnome, which features the traditional old man with a white beard in colorful golf attire. Each year's gnome is different, with the 2026 edition featuring the character dressed in khaki pants with a white-and-green striped polo shirt and blue vest holding an umbrella in one hand and a Masters-themed cup in the other.
The gnomes have become wildly popular — and increasingly valuable — over the last decade. With only about 1,000 available each day, the gnomes regularly sell out within an hour each morning at the merchandise shop before being restocked the following day. This year's gnome sells for $59.
50 plus tax and is only available at Augusta National. It has become a big money-maker for some patrons on the resale market. The bidding for one gnome on eBay reached $620 on Friday with two days still remaining in the auction.
Another can be purchased directly for $670 plus delivery cost, but there are dozens of others listed for similar prices. On Facebook Marketplace, some gnomes are being sold for $800. Fueling the price is speculation this may be the final year that the gnome will be produced.