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

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 6 : Masters gnomes, one of the most wildly popular and highly sought-after collectibles in sports, may be going out on top and the faithful are lining up before dawn at Augusta National Golf Club to make sure they're there for the last dance.

For a decade, the beloved ceramic figures have been the hottest ticket inside Augusta National's merchandise shop - usually selling out within an hour, limited to one per patron, and commanding eye-watering prices on the resale market.

Now, whispers around the club suggest 2026 could be their final year, and that rumour alone has elevated the gnome from coveted souvenir to something closer to a holy relic.

Those lucky enough to clutch one as they stroll Augusta National's immaculate grounds, where the year's first major starts on Thursday, wear their prize like a badge of honour, the envy of everyone who slept in.

'DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE GNOME'

This year's edition - a white-bearded patron in a blue Masters vest, coffee cup in one hand and a functioning mini umbrella in the other - is priced at $49.50.

On the resale market, it's a different story entirely. The gnomes, which have been a Masters staple since 2016, are already fetching nearly $1,000 for the 2026 edition on secondary markets, and a batch from 2016-2025 is listed on eBay for $39,999.

Lisa Endredi of Augusta, Georgia, arrived at the club at 4 a.m. ET (0800 GMT) on Monday and stood in line for three hours before she and her husband each secured one.

"I got one for my best friend and she's got tickets for (the opening round) Thursday so I am going to trade her a gnome for a ticket," said Endredi, who added that the other gnome will live on her mantel at home. "Don't underestimate the power of