Augusta National rules out LIV Golf qualifying path to the Masters

Chairman Fred Ridley emphasizes invitation-only tradition while hoping for golf's reunification.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, watches the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Augusta National rules out LIV Golf qualifying path to the Masters, as chairman Fred Ridley reaffirmed the tournament’s traditional invitation-only format while expressing hope that golf’s fractured landscape will one day be reunited. Speaking on Wednesday during his annual pre-Masters press conference, Ridley made it clear that LIV Golf players would not receive a dedicated route to compete at Augusta, unlike the accommodations made by the USGA and R&A for the U.S. Open and British Open.

This decision adds a new chapter to the ongoing divide between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. Although 12 LIV players are participating in this year’s Masters, they have done so either through past major wins, world rankings, or special invitations—such as the one given to Chile’s Joaquin Niemann.

“We have no plans to establish a qualification category for LIV players,” Ridley stated firmly. “We are satisfied that through our existing criteria and our ability to extend special invitations, we can ensure that deserving players are included, regardless of the tour they play on.”

His comments make it clear: Augusta National rules out LIV Golf qualifying path to the Masters and will continue to rely on discretion rather than systematizing a route for LIV athletes.

Invitation over inclusion: Augusta’s Masters philosophy

Fred Ridley reinforced the Masters' long-standing identity as an invitational event rather than an open tournament. While Augusta National does work with a clear set of qualification standards—such as past Masters champions, top finishers in recent majors, and the Official World Golf Ranking—it has also consistently used its discretionary power to invite players it deems worthy.

That flexibility, Ridley said, is enough to address concerns about LIV Golf athletes not gaining sufficient world ranking points due to their league’s 54-hole, no-cut format.

“As it relates to the USGA and the R&A, they certainly act independently. We respect their decisions,” Ridley said. “We feel we can deal with that issue, whether it's a LIV player or a player on some other tour that might not otherwise be eligible for an invitation.”

That last phrase is important—Ridley made it clear this policy isn’t just about LIV Golf. It reflects Augusta’s broader view that the Masters is about elite competition, not league affiliations.

Joaquin Niemann and the value of special invitations

A prime example of this approach is Joaquin Niemann, who received a special invitation to play in the 2024 Masters. Niemann, a rising star in international golf, has competed in LIV Golf since 2022. Although his shift to LIV limited his opportunities to accrue world ranking points, Niemann’s performances and global appeal convinced Augusta to include him.

His invitation is a reminder that while Augusta National rules out LIV Golf qualifying path to the Masters in a formal sense, individual LIV players can still earn a place through excellence and recognition.

Ridley wants unity, but LIV-PGA split remains

Despite the firmness of his position on LIV qualification, Fred Ridley also used his platform to express a broader concern shared by fans and players alike: the division in professional golf.

“I think we all agree that four times a year is not enough to have the great players of the game together,” Ridley said. “We talk about reunification all the time.”

The four times he references are the majors—the only events where LIV and PGA Tour players regularly meet. Since LIV’s emergence in 2022, the lack of weekly matchups between the world’s top talents has frustrated fans and weakened the tour ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV Golf, attempted to strike a framework deal with the PGA Tour in 2023. That deal has stalled, reportedly due to disagreements over the future of LIV Golf itself. With no resolution in sight, the question of reunifying golf remains up in the air.

Ridley, while diplomatic, acknowledged that Augusta National is not in a position to force a solution. “We're not going to solve the problem. But I hope a solution is found.”

Masters still aims to showcase the best

While Augusta National rules out LIV Golf qualifying path to the Masters, Ridley emphasized that the tournament’s ultimate goal remains the same: showcasing the best players in the world at one of the game’s most iconic venues.

This year, that includes familiar LIV names like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Bryson DeChambeau—all former major champions who qualified through existing criteria. Their inclusion underscores Augusta’s belief that the invitation system is working, even in the midst of golf’s civil war.

“We want the best field possible,” Ridley said. “And we believe we have that.”

LIV’s ranking problem still looms

The longer LIV Golf remains outside the world ranking system, the harder it becomes for newer players to rise into eligibility. This challenge means LIV stars who haven’t won majors or who have slipped in the rankings may face exclusion in the future, especially if special invitations are limited.

While the USGA and R&A created pathways to their events for top LIV performers—partly as a safeguard against this very issue—Augusta appears unwilling to follow suit.

Critics argue that relying on invitations could introduce subjectivity or even bias. Supporters, meanwhile, praise Augusta’s commitment to tradition and discretion.

Will Augusta eventually bend?

The key question remains: how long can Augusta National maintain this position? If the divide continues and LIV gains further legitimacy—or more top players jump ship—Augusta may face increased pressure to codify a qualification path.

But for now, Ridley is standing firm. As he put it, “We believe in our process, and we believe in our ability to ensure fairness and excellence through the invitation system.”

A Masters defined by tradition

Augusta National’s approach is in line with its identity—exclusive, curated, and tradition-bound. While this can seem out of step with the sport’s more progressive elements, it’s also what makes the Masters unique.

This year’s field reflects a delicate balance: 12 LIV players competing alongside PGA Tour stars, amateurs, and international contenders. It’s not a complete reunion, but it’s the best golf fans can expect until larger forces in the sport resolve their differences.

For now, the message is clear: Augusta National rules out LIV Golf qualifying path to the Masters, but the door remains open for individuals who prove themselves exceptional.