LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann Receives 1 of 3 Special Invites from The Masters

LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann was one of three golfers to accept Special Invitations from Augusta National Golf Club, enabling them to take part in the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Niemann, along with Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, received the invitations and officially accepted them on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Tournament.

Chairman Fred Ridley said:

“The Masters Tournament has a long-standing tradition of inviting leading international players who are not otherwise qualified. Today’s announcement represents the Tournament’s continued commitment towards developing interest in the game of golf across the world. We look forward to welcoming each player to Augusta National this spring.”

Niemann will join 82 other players in the field. Ridley’s comments are interesting considering the divisive nature of the game of golf today, as many still spar with the LIV Golf-PGA Tour rivalry.

Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen, Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann have accepted invitations to compete in the 2024 Masters Tournament. pic.twitter.com/2O6yAncMIb

— The Masters (@TheMasters) February 21, 2024

However, The Masters made it clear last year that it would continue to invite those who have earned spots, regardless of the Tour they play on. This included past champions like Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson.

Niemann is one of the best players in the world, but he had not automatically qualified for The Masters due to not earning a bid through finishing in the Top 12 plus ties at the 2023 Tournament.

He also is not ranked highly enough in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), which has lost credibility and legitimacy because it does not allow LIV Golfers to earn points toward the index.

Niemann will be in the field in April and will attempt to be the first South American to win the Masters since Ángel Cabrera in 2009.

Cover Image via The Augusta Chronicle