LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann and 2023 Ryder Cup victor Nicolai Hojgaard have been granted special invitations to compete in The Masters this April at Augusta National. Niemann and Hojgaard are among the 87 players who have received invites for the year’s first major tournament.

Despite not meeting the standard qualification criteria, their performances across various tours over the past two years have impressed Augusta National. This marks the second consecutive year that Niemann has received a special invitation to vie for the green jacket. 11 other LIV Golf stars have qualified for the event.

The Chilean golfer joined the unsanctioned LIV circuit in 2022, which significantly limited his ability to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points – the main pathway for players to qualify for the Masters. However, unlike some of his LIV peers, the 26-year-old, a two-time PGA Tour winner and former world No. 15, has participated in several events on other global tours in an attempt to accumulate ranking points.

Niemann, now ranked 71st in the world, saw his efforts pay off with a win on the Asian Tour’s International Series last December. His dedication to qualifying for the majors, along with his impressive form on LIV – where he won twice in 2024 and finished second in the season-long order of merit – has endeared him to Augusta National officials, earning him a spot in the field for April’s tournament.

Hojgaard has managed to capture a spot near the top in global golf rankings, currently 60th in the OWGR, tantalizingly close to securing a position for The Masters. Over the last two incredible years, the young Dane has vaulted onto Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team in 2023, snagged a PGA Tour card with his victory at the DP World Tour Championship, and maintained an impressive debut season stateside.

His tied-16th finish in the previous year’s Masters undoubtedly contributed to his current standing, and this year, he doesn’t have to scramble to get into the tournament.

Nicolai Hojgaard has also been handed an invite to The Masters

Nicolai Hojgaard has also been handed an invite to The Masters ( 

Image:

Maddie Meyer/PGA of America via Getty Images)

“In support of Augusta National’s efforts to develop interest in golf globally, deserving international players not otherwise qualified have been invited throughout the tournament’s history,” declared Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley. “The tradition continues as we welcome Nicolai and Joaquin back to the Masters, as both players have showcased their talent while competing around the world. We look forward to their arrival this April.”

With only a few spots left for The Masters, those outside of the exemption list but within the top 50 of the OWGR before the event are due to receive invites. Additionally, a coveted place is reserved for the winner of this month’s Latin America Amateur Championship.

Success on the PGA Tour can also punch a ticket to The Masters, including victories at events like this week’s Sony Open In Hawaii or next week’s American Express, provided they offer full FedEx Cup points.