Gnomes have become collectors’ items since 2016 debut
2026 edition retailing at $49.50 inside Augusta National
Everyone says goodbye to the Masters eventually. Sandy Lyle, Ben Crenshaw, Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer used recent years to wave goodbye. Will 2026 be the end for an iconic Augusta National element of more recent times … the Masters gnome?
Speculation is rising that this Masters will be the final time gnomes will be on sale inside Augusta’s merchandise outlets. On face value, this hardly feels dramatic. The quirk, though, is that the household essential for any golf lover has become a victim of its own success. Augusta National has offered no comment when approached on the gnome’s future but the race feels on to collect the final batches of stock before the 14-inch ceramic doll is consigned to Masters history.
Gnomes were initially introduced in 2016, as a gift to grandees in Masters hospitality. By 2018, they were on sale to the public and in short order hugely collectible (especially the Santa version from the 2020, Covid-affected Masters). Full sets of gnomes typically sell for upwards of $20,000. Ryan Carey, a sporting auctions specialist, told Golf Digest last month he hopes to sell a 2016 gnome for $10,000. At source, Masters gnomes cost $49.50. They appear on resale sites for several multiples of that price from the start of every Masters week. You would be frightened to leave one at your front door unprotected.
