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A Masters Gnome being carried by a patron during a practice round prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Back in 2016, the first Masters gnome appeared at Augusta National Golf Club. Since then, the 13.5-inch collectible has become one of the most coveted merchandise items by golf fans around the world. While little is officially known about the gnomes themselves, one thing is certain: fans line up each year eager to get their hands on one.
However, with all the hype surrounding these collectibles, speculation has begun to grow. Including the concern that 2026 might mark the end of the gnomes as we know it.
Gnome Craze Throughout the Years
The first gnome in 2016 featured a classic golfer dressed in an argyle sweater adorned with the Masters logo. In 2017, the gnome was nowhere to be found, adding a layer of mystery early on.
By 2018, it returned, this time decked out in caddy gear. In 2019, the “Patron” gnome debuted, wearing a pin-covered bucket hat and holding a chair and drink, ready to watch Tiger Woods claim victory.
In 2020, due to the pandemic, The Masters Tournament didn’t take place in April. Instead, Augusta National postponed the tournament until November of that year. With the holidays approaching, the gnome wore a Christmas sweater and hat, giving it a Santa Claus-like appearance.
According to GolfDigest, this was the year the gnome craze truly took off. The holiday theme, combined with a surge in online collectibles during the pandemic, sent demand soaring while supply remained limited.
In 2021, the gnome stepped out in a straw hat and held a partially eaten pimento cheese sandwich, one of the tournament’s most iconic concessions. The 2022 version wore a green-and-white striped shirt and took on the role of a gallery guard.
The 2023 gnome returned as a patron, complete with a collapsible chair and drink, sporting a blue Masters polo. In 2024, it went back to its roots as a player, wearing a blue sweater and plaid pants.
The 2025 gnome paid tribute to one of the Masters’ most beloved treats, featuring a shirt covered in peaches and other treats while holding the ever-popular peach ice cream sandwich.
Each gnome usually retails for around $50 each. In the early years, the were even less, going for closer to $35 each.
2026 Gnome Release
The 2026 gnome is expected to be another fan favorite, even if it ends up being the last. This version features a functional umbrella, ready to handle rain, shine, or even sprinklers.
Fully decked out in Masters gear and holding a tournament cup, the design leans into the fan experience. His style makes the gnome feel more relatable than ever.
Could This Be The End of The Gnome?
The Masters Tournament prides itself on exclusivity. With the growing hype surrounding the gnomes, some believe the tournament may feel that too much attention has shifted toward merchandise and consumerism rather than the golf itself.
With 2026 marking ten years since the debut of the first gnome, it could be a fitting moment for Augusta National to bring the craze to a close.
Whether that happens or not, one thing is clear, the Masters gnome has already secured its place as one of the most unique and beloved traditions in golf merchandise history.
Sydney Jones Sydney Jones is a sports writer covering all things Golf, Mariners, and Seahawks for Heavy.com. She has experience covering the intersection of sports and human interest stories for multiple publications. Originally from Montana, she recently relocated to Seattle and is enjoying the new experience of being surrounding by live professional sports and rooting for a common team while writing about them. More about Sydney Jones
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