Unless you’re a true Masters fanatic, you probably don’t know that a simple garden gnome has become, by far, the most sought-after Masters merch item every April. And this year is no different.
The Masters gnomes, which have a surprisingly short history at the tournament, are unique each year. But they’re always decked out in Masters-related duds. While relatively inexpensive when purchased at Augusta, the Masters gnomes can reach eye-watering prices on the secondary market.
With two weeks to go until the start of the 2026 Masters, Augusta National unveiled its latest Masters gnome creation for this year’s event, and it features a unique twist.
Here’s what you need to know.
2026 Masters gnome has trick up its (umbrella) sleeve
Since the Masters gnomes are dressed differently every year, fans are anxious to find out what the new gnome will look like as the tournament approaches.
Past editions have featured gnomes decked out in white Masters caddie uniforms, dressed as rabid Masters patrons covered in tournament patches, or members in blue Masters sweaters with golf clubs flung over their shoulders.
One year, the Masters gnome was decked out in a red Masters sweater and a Masters winter knit hat (the Masters gnomes always sport white hair and beards, giving that iteration a distinct Santa Claus feel).
Since 2024, Augusta has unveiled the new gnome on Instagram ahead of the tournament. And this week, we got our first look at the 2026 edition.
The 2026 Masters gnome wears a green Masters flat-brim hat, a white-and-green striped Masters polo shirt, a blue Masters vest and khaki slacks. In one hand, the 2026 gnome holds what appears to be a coffee in a Masters-themed coffee cup. In its right hand, he holds a green Masters umbrella.
That umbrella is not only for show, though. As you can see in the promo video released by the Masters, the umbrella can be removed, opened and placed back in the gnome’s right hand. With rainy days common at the Masters, it’s a nice nod to tournament history.
Check it out below.
History of the Masters gnomes
Despite the mild hysteria around them, Masters gnomes date back to 2016, when they were only available to VIPs at Berckmans Place. And they didn’t even earn an invite to the 2017 Masters. But they’ve returned to Augusta every April since 2018.
Somewhere along the way, the gnomes went from new merch tent oddity to the hottest collectible on property.
Part of the reason for that is that the gnomes are available in a limited quantity. Each morning of tournament week, Augusta replenishes the gnome stock in the Masers merch tent and select other places on property. Doors open at 7 a.m. ET, and typically within an hour that day’s allotment of Masters gnomes are gone.
According to Golf Digest, Augusta National doubled the number of Masters gnomes for sale at the 2025 tournament, coming to about 1,000 gnomes per day.
