sports
Retirement gnome? Masters miniatures rumoured to have short future at Augusta
Gnomes have become collectors’ items since 2016 debut
TL;DR
- The Masters gnome, first introduced in 2016, is rumored to be discontinued after this year.
- Initially a gift for hospitality guests, gnomes became available to the public in 2018 and are now highly collectible.
- Full sets of gnomes can sell for over $20,000, a significant increase from their original $49.50 price.
- The popularity of the gnomes is reportedly causing issues with the patron experience at Augusta National.
- Despite limits on individual purchases, gnomes sell out within an hour of merchandise outlets opening.
- Augusta National generates an estimated $70 million in annual merchandising revenue, and the removal of gnomes would likely increase their underground value.