Masters gnome saga may end after 6 years of frenzied fandom

The Masters Tournament's quirky gnome phenomenon has captivated fans for six years, but whispers suggest 2026 could be the last hurrah for the beloved ceramic figurines.

Augusta's hottest collectible

Introduced in 2016 as gifts for hospitality VIPs, the gnomes quickly gained popularity, leading Augusta National to put them on sale to the public in 2018. Since then, full sets have become coveted items, often selling for upwards of $20,000.

But the gnomes' success has also sparked controversy, with some fans feeling their pursuit is detracting from the true Masters experience. Augusta officials have remained tight-lipped on the issue, but insiders suggest they're growing weary of the 'gnome-hunting' frenzy.

The gnomes' daily sales have reportedly been capped at around 1,000 units, but they consistently sell out within an hour, with attendees queuing for hours to get their hands on them. The latest design, featuring a working umbrella, has only fueled the frenzy.

While the Masters makes a substantial $70 million annually from merchandise sales, the gnomes' removal could actually drive up their black market value. For now, fans are racing to snag the final gnome batches before they potentially disappear forever.