Gnomes have become the unexpected sensation at Augusta National, with the Masters golf-centric gnomes selling out within hours of the tournament gift shop opening each morning. Priced at $49.50, these one-foot high ceramic figurines have become highly sought-after collector's items, with patrons waiting in long lines to secure one.
Augusta National has been offering these colorful gnomes since 2016, and their popularity and value have only increased over time. One seller has listed a collection of eight Masters gnomes for a staggering $16,000 on eBay, showcasing the growing demand for these quirky statues.
Visitors from various locations, such as Carlsbad, California, and Ninety Six, South Carolina, have made special trips to Augusta to acquire these gnomes. Some patrons plan to display them in their gardens, while others see them as potential investments, considering the significant resale value they hold.
Patrons are limited to purchasing one gnome per day on a first-come, first-serve basis, with mini-gnomes also available at the gift shop. Despite the long lines, many patrons prioritize acquiring these gnomes over heading straight to the golf course upon entering Augusta National.
The Masters has significantly benefited from this gnome craze, with merchandise sales reaching $69 million in 2022. This year's Masters gnome features the classic old man design, complete with a white beard, blue cardigan, Masters bucket hat, and plaid pants, further adding to its appeal among patrons.
While some patrons are unsure of what to do with their gnomes, considering them as novelty items, others view them as valuable assets that could potentially yield substantial returns in the future. The allure of these gnomes has turned them into iconic symbols of the Masters tournament, with patrons eagerly seeking to add them to their collections.
