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 items’ 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 gnomes’ demise ­correct? “Number one, the question is not trivial,” he 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 standing in Augusta 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 the 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 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. We need to continue to work together to come to some agreement.”