Gnome unknowns: Masters chair Ridley in dark about ornaments’ Augusta future | The Masters
The Masters gnome drama took another turn after the president of Augusta National admitted he didn’t know what would happen in the future.
Fred Ridley repeatedly questioned whether 2026 would be the last year the gnomes would sell – as has been widely speculated – but revealed there was an internal secret, even about him.
Ridley’s annual media address at the Masters took an amusing turn when a caller asked him what was suggested as a “trivial” poseur: Is the information about the gnome’s disappearance correct? “First, the question is not trivial,” Ridley said. “Number two: I’ve been asking this 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’s intriguing that someone of Ridley’s Augusta rank would be left out of the conversation. The rush for Gnome Masters, which typically sell out within an hour in the morning, has reportedly left officials worried about the spectator experience at retail outlets. The gnomes cost $49.50 (£37) but have huge resale value.
On more serious matters, Ridley maintained Augusta’s position on a potential decline of the golf ball. The issue faces resistance from equipment manufacturers and several leading players.
“I want to be clear that our position is based on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course,” Ridley said. “We will continue to make necessary changes to respond to driving distances which in some cases exceed 350 meters.
“Unfortunately, many courses, including some iconic venues, do not offer this option. Until recent years, golf was a game of imagination, creativity and variety. The game has become much more one-dimensional.
“My feeling about this is that failure is not an option. I think we need to continue to work together to reach an agreement.”
