Augusta National Golf Club has become synonymous with many iconic items, but the green jacket is not the only one that is highly sought after. The two-foot-tall garden gnome has surpassed even golf shirts and other typical memorabilia as the hottest souvenir at the Masters tournament.
The gnome, a friendly white-bearded character that made its debut in 2016, has become a beloved symbol of the Masters tournament. Augusta National has expanded the gnome theme to include Christmas ornaments and t-shirts. The gnomes have become so popular that they often sell out within minutes of the merchandise shop opening its doors to patrons at 7 a.m.
Dedicated patrons line up outside the golf shop well before dawn to secure one of these coveted items. Once in possession of a gnome, some patrons carry them throughout the day, while others check them at the bag check or immediately list them on eBay to make a profit. The gnomes typically cost around $50 at the tournament but can sell for much higher prices online.
For many visitors, obtaining a gnome is a symbol of their once-in-a-lifetime experience at Augusta National. Andrew Steverson of Douglas, Ga., described the Masters tournament visit as a lifetime goal and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, capturing the sentiment of many other patrons hoping to snag a gnome as well as memories of their visit to the prestigious golf club. Chris Hibbs of Knoxville waited in long lines to get his hands on one, with the intention of either keeping it or selling it for a profit.
