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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Doug Stutsman, for The Augusta Chronicle

The line for the Masters Main Golf Shop stretched beyond the range Saturday morning as patrons rush for a few (or several) keepsakes

AUGUSTA, Ga. — By 7:30 a.m. ET Saturday, the line to the Masters Main Golf Shop stretched beyond the practice range.

All Katie Hershey wanted was a gnome.

“I keep seeing them on social media, so I have to get one,” said Hershey, of Lexington, Kentucky, who was visiting Augusta National for the first time. “I’m so excited. I can’t wait to show everybody back home.”

The craze for the bearded wonder began in 2016 when the Masters Tournament introduced a gnome wearing an argyle cardigan. In 2023, the latest rendition resembles a Masters patron donning a blue shirt. He’s carrying a stack of green and white cups.

“The first time I saw him, I was like, ‘Is that it?’” Hershey admitted. “But he’s growing on me. I think they’re amazing.”

Masters 2023 leaderboard: Get the latest news from Augusta

The gnome was one of many popular items in the shop, which included new designs of Peter Millar shirts. The brand introduced a floral pattern this year which displays pink azaleas. Another Peter Millar design displays a blue background with Masters cups on the shirt.

“It might take an hour for me to get inside, but I don’t care,” said Trena Stuart, of Fort Worth, Texas. “I have a Christmas list and I have to make it happen.”

Other novelty selections include a beige Smathers & Branson belt with various badges from the Masters Tournament. Included are 1934, 1976, 1978, 1980 and 2016.

Of the new items, a popular selection on Saturday was a Masters sweatshirt in yellow and green.

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