LIV Golfers cleared to play in Masters 2023 tournament

On Tuesday, the Masters announced that any golfer who has qualified for the tournament based on its previous criteria will be invited to play in the upcoming 2023 tournament in April.

This means that at least 16 LIV Golf players will be able to be part of the field at Augusta National, including six past champions.

Masters Tournament Chairman Fred Ridley stated: “We have reached a seminal point in the history of our sport.

“At Augusta National, we have faith that golf, which has overcome many challenges through the years, will endure again.”

The six former champions are Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel.

Other golfers expected to earn an invite are Talor Gooch, Harold Varner III, Jason Kokrak, Kevin Na, Abraham Ancer and Louis Oosthuizen who are all in the top 50 in the current World Golf Rankings.

Ridley continued: “Through the years, legends of the game have competed and won at Augusta National Golf Club.

“Champions like Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have become heroes to golfers of all ages.

“They have inspired some to follow in their footsteps and so many others to play and enjoy the game. They have supported the sport and, thus, all who benefit from it. They have shown respect for those who came before them and blazed a trail for future generations. Golf is better because of them.”

Any player in the top 50 in the World Golf Rankings on the week prior to the 2023 event would also earn an invitation to the tournament.