Unless you’re a true Masters fanatic, you probably don’t know that a simple garden gnome has become, until now, the most sought after item of Masters merchandise every April. And this year is no different.
The Gnome Masters, which have a surprisingly short history on the tour, are unique every year. But they are always decorated with letters associated with the Masters. Although relatively inexpensive when purchased in Augusta, Masters gnomes can fetch attractive prices on the secondary market.
Two more weeks left until the start of Masters 2026Augusta National unveiled its latest gnome Masters creation for this year’s event, and it features a unique twist.
Here’s what you need to know.
2026 Masters gnome has tricked her sleeve (umbrella).
Since the Masters gnomes dress 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 velvet Masters uniforms, dressed as rabid Masters patrons covered in tournament patchesOR members in blue Masters sweaters with golf clubs slung over their shoulders.
One year, the Masters gnome was decked out in a red Masters sweater and a knitted Masters winter hat (the Masters gnomes always have white hair and beards, giving that iteration a special Santa Claus feel).
;)
Dylan Dethier
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 flat-brimmed Masters hat, a white and green striped Masters polo shirt, a blue Masters vest, and khaki slacks. On one side, the 2026 gnome holds what appears to be a coffee in a Masters-themed coffee mug. In his right hand, he holds a green Masters umbrella.
That umbrella isn’t just for show, though. As you can see in promotional video released by Mastersthe 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 sign for the tournament’s history.
See below.
History of the Gnome Masters
Despite the mild hysteria surrounding them, Masters gnomes date back to 2016, when they were only available to VIPs at Berckman’s place. And they didn’t even earn an invitation to the 2017 Masters. But they’ve been back to Augusta every April since 2018.
Somewhere along the way, the gnomes transitioned from the new weirdness of the marquee to the hottest collection on the property.
Part of the reason for this is that gnomes are available in limited quantities. Each morning of tournament week, Augusta restocks the gnomes in the Masers marquee and selects other locations on the property. Doors open at 7 a.m. ET, and usually within an hour that day’s division of Masters gnomes is gone.
According to Golf DigestAugusta National doubled the number of Masters gnomes for sale in the 2025 tournament, reaching about 1,000 gnomes per day.
