Gnome fever has taken over Augusta National again this year with the latest edition already selling for NINE TIMES what it retails for at the Masters tournament.

Every gift shop at major sports events proves a popular pit stop for souvenirs, but some items can prove lucrative.

At the Masters, the gift shop opens at 7am local time, but there is already a long line before the doors have opened each day.

Hats, towels and shirts are some of the go-to items with the Masters logo plastered everywhere.

But since 2016, a special edition gnome has proven to be the hot ticket item every year.

Augusta National are fully aware of the popularity surrounding their garden gnomes and limit one per customer.

But they're still sold out every day within an hour of the gift shop opening with some immediately being put up for sale on eBay.

The souvenirs have proven lucrative for some as they retail for just under $50 (£39.50).

A full-sized gnome from this year is already selling for north of £350 on eBay.

The garden ornament is changed slightly each year with the 2024 edition wearing a navy cardigan and plaid trousers with a golf bag slung over its shoulder.

While some have already cashed in on the popular item, there are others who have been well rewarded for holding on to their gnome for several years.

Mint-condition gnomes from 2016 have reportedly been sold for thousands online while there are a couple from 2019 that will also set people back four figures.

While several patrons are fortunate enough to get their hands on a gnome at the Masters, one person was able to take home a once-in-a-lifetime gift earlier this week.

Matt Agonis was around the green on the ninth hole as Tiger Woods finished his practice round with Justin Thomas and Fred Couples.

The spectator tried his luck by shouting at Woods to throw him his ball, which the 15-time major champion duly obliged.

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Woods showed he's not only extremely accurate with a golf club but also with his arm after finding Agonis with an inch-perfect throw.

"Honestly shocked with myself that I got it," Agonis said.

"He throws a fast one. My hand was throbbing for a little bit, so good arm Tiger.

"It was pretty electric. Everyone went crazy, everyone was clapping and I think he went over there and told JT [Justin Thomas] and they had a little laughing moment. It was cool."