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Gnomes, these quirky statues that folks put of their gardens, are flying off the cabinets at Augusta Nationwide.
AUGUSTA, Ga.: Gnomes, these quirky statues that folks put of their gardens, are flying off the cabinets at Augusta Nationwide.
The Masters golf-centric gnomes been promoting out inside a few hours every morning after the match reward store opens. Patrons are greater than prepared to attend in hour-long strains for the $49.50 ceramic figurine that has grow to be a extremely coveted collector’s merchandise.
Augusta Nationwide has been promoting the one-foot excessive gnomes — which come in several colourful designs annually — since 2016.
They usually’re rising in recognition and worth as time passes.
One vendor has listed the gathering of eight Masters gnomes for $16,000 on eBay.
Others who visited the store this week have already put this 12 months’s gnome up on the market on eBay at practically 10 occasions what they paid.
John McGovern and his spouse Erin made the trek to Augusta from Carlsbad, California and mentioned the gnome was a “focused merchandise” for them.
“They’re so cute,” Erin McGovern mentioned.
John McGovern instructed the couple would possibly give it to a household buddy once they get again to California after the Masters. His spouse has different plans.
“No, it’s going within the backyard,” she insisted.
Others haven’t any plans to permit their gnomes to endure the indignity of residing outdoors in doubtlessly poor climate circumstances.
In any case, it could seemingly diminish its worth.
“We’ll most likely promote it,” mentioned Pam Threlkheld of Ninety Six, South Carolina, mentioned afrwe
“We’ve heard it’s value like 5 occasions what we’re paying for it,” her husband Dwayne Threlkeld added. “Everybody was speaking about it, so I figured let’s get one whereas we’re right here.”
Patrons can solely buy one gnome per day and they’re offered on a first-come, first-serve foundation. There are additionally mini-gnomes obtainable on the reward store.
Patrons usually will select to navigate the lengthy strains on the reward store upon getting into the grounds at Augusta Nationwide fairly than heading straight to the course.
The reward store cabinets are restocked the subsequent morning till the collectible figurines are gone once more.
The larger winner on this gnome craze is, in fact, the Masters. Forbes reported that the Masters made $69 million in merchandise gross sales in 2022.
This 12 months’s Masters gnome is the acquainted previous man with an extended white beard, sporting a blue cardigan with a white shirt and tie, a white Masters bucket hat and blue-and -green plaid pants.
“It’s grow to be this iconic factor, so I acquired one,” mentioned Ben Milgram from Detroit. “Everyone seems to be saying, ‘did you get the gnome?’”
Milgram has no thought what he’s going to do along with his gnome.
“There’s a working joke in my home that I as soon as purchased a canine leash — and I don’t also have a canine,” Milgram mentioned. “So I don’t know what I’ll do it. Perhaps put the factor on a shelf, I suppose.”
There is likely to be a number of individuals prepared to take it off his palms.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Related Press)
