Masters 2026: Chairman is mum on one of Augusta's most pressing issues—is this the last year of the gnomes?

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Amid the serious matters of a golf ball rollback and the Masters role in the changing world of professional circuits, the question was asked rather gingerly to Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley in his annual Wednesday press conference.

I apologize in advance if this question appears somewhat trivial, but from speaking to a number of patrons this week, I can assure you it is a talking point. There's a rumor circulating this could be the final year of the now iconic Masters gnome. Are you able to quash that rumor and allay fears?

Ridley smiled wryly.

There’s been something of a market panic over the past week after a Golf Digest story on the history of the gnomes speculated, with input from a merchandising expert, that there is a “95 percent” chance the gnomes could disappear after this week’s 90th playing of the Masters.

The merchandising logic is that the gnomes have become too popular for Augusta’s liking because they’ve created an almost frenzied Black Friday atmosphere at a place that cherishes decorum, including early long lines of one to two hours for patrons trying to enter the merchandise center.

Too, those in the green jackets must shake their heads at what was also reported in the story: That an original gnome from 2016 (with a retail price of $39.50) could fetch $10,000 when Ryan Carey, the founder and owner of Golden Age, soon puts his first one up for auction.

So, back to the question … Could Ridley speak to the possibility of the gnomes going by way of fidget spinners.

“Number one, the question is not trivial,” Ridley said to laughs from the gathered media.

“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.”

Wait! The chairman of the Masters, the man who is like Oz in Augusta, does not know the fate of the gnomes? Sorry, sir, we find that a bit hard to fathom. We wonder exactly who the “they” are and what hypnotic power “they” hold over Ridley to keep him out of the loop. Guess we also know now that Ridley doesn’t choose every pattern of shirt sold or what the Christmas ball theme is for the year.

So, gnome-owners and those who want to be, stand in those lines, have your credit card ready and hope for the best. And if you sell a 2026 gnome on Ebay—they’re already going for $725 as of today—send Golf Digest a little love.