Have you been lucky enough to bring a gnome home from the Augusta National Golf Club?
The little guy has been the most coveted item at the Augusta National golf shop since its introduction in 2016. It’s become the first item many fans purchase before spending hundreds of dollars more on other.
Snagging one takes skill and determination. Patrons begin lining up by 5 a.m.; gates open at 7 a.m.
Credit: Jozsef Papp
Credit: Jozsef Papp
Once they do, it’s a slow speed-walk - no running is allowed on property - to get to the shop.
The gnomes come home alone; there is a limit for one per patron. They sell out daily within minutes. Augusta National does not say how many are made available per day but they’re clearly prized commodities. This collection of eight is offered for $15,000 on Facebook Marketplace while this individual one is going for $450 on eBay.
Cynthia Clement has a number of gnomes in her collection, all purchased on Augusta National property.
They are normally displayed in her husband’s home office but are brought out to the den during Masters week.
“They make me smile!” she said.
Credit: Provided by Cynthia Clement
Credit: Provided by Cynthia Clement
I have been collecting gnomes since 2020, when a special Christmas edition was released ahead of the Masters Tournament played in November that year due to the pandemic. The latest addition came home with me Sunday after the annual Drive, Chip and Putt Finals. Not to brag but I had secured the bag by 7:07 a.m.
We’d love to share your gnome photos! You can post on social media and tag us or email them to Jozsef.Papp-Chang@ajc.com.
