Augusta National has revealed that three players have graciously accepted special invitations to participate in the prestigious 2024 Masters tournament scheduled for April. Among these select individuals is Joaquin Niemann, a notable figure affiliated with LIV Golf, a detail that may spark controversy among certain circles.
Joining Niemann are Thorbjorn Olesen, fresh from a triumph on the DP World Tour, and Ryo Hisatsune, who earned recognition as last year’s rookie of the year on the DP World Tour.
Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, emphasized the tradition of inviting esteemed international players who may not have qualified through standard means. He expressed the tournament’s ongoing dedication to fostering global interest in the sport of golf and eagerly anticipated welcoming each player to Augusta National this spring.
It is important to note that all three players, including Niemann, earned their special invitations through their exceptional performances.
Niemann, a PGA Tour victor on two occasions, clinched the Australian Open title in December and secured a triumph at the LIV Golf Mayakoba earlier this month. Despite his current ranking of 81st in the world, attributed in part to LIV Golf not receiving Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, Niemann’s consistent presence among the top 30 players throughout much of the 2022 and 2023 seasons underscores his undeniable caliber as a player.
Notably, Niemann’s absence from this year’s major championships, despite his stellar performances, prompted attention, particularly after his victory at the LIV Golf Mayakoba event. This recognition from Augusta National, evident in the special invitation extended to him, could potentially set a precedent for other major championships to follow suit in granting special invitations later this year.
While the Masters’ official statement welcoming the three players did not explicitly mention LIV Golf, it is evident that Augusta National’s primary aim is to ensure that the tournament features the finest talents in the world of golf. The inclusion of Niemann, Olesen, and Hisatsune undoubtedly enhances the tournament’s competitive field, aligning with the prestigious event’s commitment to excellence.
