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The Masters gnome drama has taken another twist after the chair of Augusta National admitted he is in the dark as to the must-have item’s future.

Fred Ridley has repeatedly asked whether 2026 will be the final year for gnomes being on sale – as has been widely speculated – but revealed there is internal secrecy even towards him.

Ridley’s annual Masters media address took an amusing turn when a questioner put what was suggested as a “trivial” poser towards him: are reports of the gnome’s demise correct? “Number one, the question is not trivial,” Ridley said. “Number two: I’ve been asking that question for several years and they won’t tell me the answer. So I can’t help you.”

Who “they” are is unclear but it is intriguing that someone of Ridley’s Augusta standing is being cut out of the conversation. The stampede for Masters gnomes, which typically sell out within one morning hour, is understood to have left officials with concerns about spectator experience in merchandise outlets. The gnomes cost $49.50 (£37) but have huge resale value.

On matters more serious, Ridley has maintained Augusta’s position on a potential rollback of the golf ball. The issue has met with resistance from equipment manufacturers and several leading players.

“I want to be clear that our position is grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course,” Ridley said. “We will continue to make modifications as are necessary to react to driving distances that in some cases exceed 350 yards.

“Unfortunately, many courses, including some iconic venues, do not have that option. Until recent years golf has been a game of imagination, creativity, and variety. The game has become much more one-dimensional.

“My feeling on this subject is that failure is not an option. I think we need to continue to work together to come to some agreement.”