Why Masters gnomes send golf fans at Augusta in a frenzy at the gift shop

The Masters garden gnomes are all the rage at Augusta. Here's why.

There’s so much Masters swag to buy at the Augusta National gift shop during the annual golf major there.

But it’s the garden gnomes that have caught fans’ attention and then some.

That’s right, the garden gnomes dressed in a cute uniform with the tournament logo are the hottest item since they dropped in 2016. Like a run on a bottle of bourbon in Louisville, the minute the shop opens, people line up to snatch one up, and then they’re sometimes resold on eBay. The gnomes have expanded, too, with mini versions and Christmas ornaments coming out.

Every person (patron!) I spoke to at Augusta National today had an interesting story – first timers and Amen Corner veterans alike.

30-year waits, garden gnomes and new family memories: it's Wednesday at the Masters. pic.twitter.com/m0V7gpWs4c

— Julia Westerman (@JuliaWesterman) April 10, 2024

It took me until 40 to finally get a @Masters gnome, but it was well worth the wait.#NewDecade #The40s pic.twitter.com/lsV50ixsZ4

— Matthew Griffin (@coachgriff57) April 5, 2024

fully grown adults at Augusta National when they see a stranger who found a Masters gnome pic.twitter.com/No5BYc8OC3

— James Colgan (@jamescolgan26) April 12, 2024

And finally. The only item that gets Masters Patrons nearly fighting with each other.

The annual gnome!

I don’t even know why I bought this. I just saw everyone trying to get one and I reacted to the mob lol. $49.50 pic.twitter.com/tGfdlB6Vkc

— Rick Golfs (@Top100Rick) April 9, 2024

So why is it such a must-get item? Well, every year, there’s a new gnome, so it’s become a collectable. Plus, the limited number probably drives up the demand.