• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Masters Tournament to Let LIV Golfers Play in 2023

  • Augusta National Golf Club issues decision.
  • LIV members Phil Mickelson and other Masters winners can tee it up in April.
Phil Mickleson watching shot
Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Just when things were looking bleak business-wise for LIV Golf, the golf league scored a significant victory when Augusta National Golf Club announced Tuesday that LIV players will be allowed to play in the 2023 Masters tournament.

The decision will enable former Masters champions like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed to try for another green jacket at the year’s first major championship.  

“We will invite those eligible under our current criteria to compete in the 2023 Masters Tournament,” wrote Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley. 

“Regrettably, recent actions have divided men’s professional golf by diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who built it. Although we are disappointed in these developments, our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a preeminent field of golfers this coming April.”

Atul Khosla on the seventh green during the Pro-Am tournamen
exclusive

LIV Golf Adds Leadership Trio As COO Exits

Trio helped LIV secure billions in funding from Saudi Public Investment Fund.
December 19, 2022

The threat of being banned from golf’s four majors – The Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and British Open – is the most significant factor deterring players from defecting to LIV. 

The four organizing bodies that stage the majors have their own criteria. However, Augusta National’s decision will likely be studied closely by other governing bodies, such as the USGA.

Other Masters champs who’ve jumped to LIV include Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, and Charl Schwartzel. All told, 16 LIV golfers are expected to be exempted into the 2023 Masters, according to Golfweek.

The 2023 Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 6-9, with coverage on ESPN and CBS Sports.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.
Oct 20, 2023; Doral, Florida, USA; James Piot plays his shot from the eighth tee during the first round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

From LIV to PGA Tour: James Piot Shows Path Back From Rival..

A former LIV Golf player is competing at this week’s Detroit event.

Rolapp Weighs In on PGA Tour–LIV Golf Talks, NFL After Goodell

Brian Rolapp is becoming CEO as commissioner Jay Monahan steps down.

From NFL to PGA Tour: How Brian Rolapp Could Reshape Golf

Brian Rolapp is set to become the PGA Tour’s first CEO.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
July 1, 2025

NBA Salary Cap Up 7% in 2026–27, but Teams Expected More

The 2026–27 salary cap is projected at $165 million.
July 1, 2025

New Philadelphia Arena Was Key to City’s Successful WNBA Bid

The forthcoming team will play in a new arena in South Philadelphia.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
July 1, 2025

Bobby Bonilla On Annual $1.2M Payday: ‘It Doesn’t Suck’

The former MLB star receives another $1.19 million from the Mets today.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB, speaks to the media during Cactus League media day at the Arizona Biltmore on Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix.
June 30, 2025

Manfred, MLB Owners Pitch Directly to Players Ahead of CBA Expiration

Owners see a disconnect between union leadership and individual players.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang celebrates during a team celebration lap after the playoff semifinal match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field.
June 30, 2025

Michele Kang to Lead Lyon As UEFA Delays Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

Lyon’s Europa League fate remains unclear as Michele Kang replaces John Textor.
Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium.
June 30, 2025

30 of 32 NFL Second-Round Draft Picks Remain Unsigned

Some rookie training camps start in under two weeks.