Masters Won’t Offer Special Exemptions for LIV Golf Players

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley announced Wednesday that the Masters will not create special exemptions for players from the LIV Golf League. He confirmed that while international golfers still receive invitations, LIV Golf players will not have special pathways to participate like in two other major championships.

During a pre-Masters news conference, Ridley reiterated his hope for a resolution between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, which has been backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). He indicated that the negotiations have reached a stalemate, with the PGA Tour rejecting a recent PIF offer to invest $1.5 billion. This investment package reportedly included a stipulation that LIV Golf would remain independent.

“I’m not really in a position to dictate what form that should take,” Ridley said about the potential reconciliation, stressing that players should compete together more frequently than just during the major events. “But I think we all agree that four times a year is not enough to have the great players of the game together.”

Ridley confirmed that 12 LIV Golf players are participating in this year’s Masters, having received special invitations due to their performance in prior DP World Tour events. He highlighted how other major tournaments, such as the U.S. Open and the Open Championship, recently established pathways for LIV players, creating a clear distinction in Augusta National’s approach.

“We are an invitational tournament,” Ridley emphasized. “We have historically considered special cases for invitations for international players. We feel we can manage this, whether it’s a LIV player or someone else not otherwise eligible for an invitation.”

In addition to the LIV Golf discussions, Ridley addressed other key issues at the news conference. He confirmed the invitation to 2009 Masters champion Ángel Cabrera, who was released from prison on parole after serving a sentence for domestic violence and harassment. “Well, we certainly abhor domestic violence of any type,” Ridley stated, clarifying that Cabrera’s past champion status warranted his invitation.

Ridley also shared that Augusta National Golf Club has been significantly affected by Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage in late September 2024. He noted that 200 to 250 employees worked diligently to restore the course, while also providing resources to the local community. “The spirit of our entire Augusta National family throughout these challenges will be a signature of the 89th Masters Tournament,” he said.

Moreover, the tournament is monitoring pace of play, an ongoing concern within professional golf. Ridley mentioned testing rangefinders for players and caddies at upcoming tours to expedite shot distance calculations. “Golf is a special game because it requires us to be considerate while also being competitive,” he explained, emphasizing respect for fans’ time during tournaments.

Ridley indicated future adaptations may include time limitations in youth competitions, hinting at evolving standards in competitive play, which he believes will enhance the overall experience for spectators and participants alike.