GOLF
Which LIV golfers have qualified for the 2024 Masters? 13 former PGA players to compete at Augusta National
Given the rift that exists between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the subject of eligibility for The Masters was always going to draw attention. Now, we’ve got answers.
Ahead of the 2023 Masters, golf fans witnessed intense speculation as to whether LIV Golf players would be eligible for the first Major of that year. Fast forward to 2024 and their place on the field has been secured, but there is no less fanfare about the coming together of the two rival golf leagues in a singular tournament, one that is possibly the most prestigious in the sport.
The Masters 2024: the LIV players that have qualified
With the 2024 edition of The Masters at Augusta almost upon us, we may have clarity as to whether LIV Golf players will be participating in the age-old tournament, however, up until now it was not clear which players from the circuit would be making the cut when the tournament tees off. Before we get to answering that question, it’s worth noting that there are in fact significantly fewer LIV Golf players playing in the 2024 Masters and that is directly due to LIV Golf’s inability to grant players Official World Golf Ranking points.
Consider for a moment that prior to the 2023 edition of the tournament, seven players qualified thanks to their standings in the top 50 of the world rankings either at the end of 2022 or the very week before the event. The situation didn’t improve either, with none of them retaining their position at the point when the 2023 season came to an end. Of course, it’s true that there are a multitude of ways in which players can qualify for the Major. Indeed, that is evidenced by the fact that there are currently 13 LIV Golf players in the field, thanks to one or more of those. Take a look at the table below for the complete list of who they are and how they got there.
- Bryson Dechambeau - 2020 US Open win granted him five years of eligibility.
- Sergio Garcia - 2017 Masters win makes him eligible for life.
- Tyrrell Hatton - By virtue of being inside the top 50 of the world rankings.
- Brooks Koepka - Two PGA Championship wins and a top 50 finish in 2023 are more than good enough.
- Adrian Meronk - A top 50 finish - No. 48 to be precise - secured his spot.
- Phil Mickelson - 2021 PGA Championship title is good for five years of eligibility. He’s also won the Masters three times.
- Joaquin Niemann - A special invite was granted to the 2024 LIV Golf Mayakoba winner
- John Rahm - Won the 2021 US Open but also granted himself access for life by winning 2023 Masters.
- Charl Schwartzel - A 2011 win at Augusta National was enough for lifetime eligibility.
- Cameron Smith - After winning the 150th Open he’s good to go until 2027.
- Bubba Watson - A 2012 win at Augusta National followed by one in 2014 will see him playing for a long time to come.
- Dustin Johnson - Winner of the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and the 2020 Masters Tournament with a record score of 268, 20-under-par.
- Patrick Reed - The 2018 Masters Tournament is his only Major to date, joining LIV Golf in 2022.
Who won The Masters in 2023?
It’s worth noting that last year’s winner, Spain’s John Rahm, joined LIV Golf just eight months after that victory. He’ll be giving the traditional Champions Dinner speech and shared his thoughts as the event draws nearer.
“When I tell you that this has definitely been rent free in my head; I usually have no issues public speaking. No problem. I’ll get up there and talk about anything. Just the image of standing up and having everybody in that room look at me and having to speak to all these great champions, it’s quite daunting.”
American Scottie Scheffler, who won the event in 2022 is in stunning form and after wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship, he came close to lifting his third straight trophy at the recent Texas Children’s Houston Open. He now has the chance to make history again at the Masters, which will be played from April 11–14.