• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 25, 2025

The Case of the Shrinking Masters Field. (Shhh: LIV Golf Did It)

  • The 2024 Masters could have fewer than 80 competitors for the first time since 1985.
  • The dip comes as the impact of players joining LIV Golf is felt more broadly, with drops in the world rankings threatening their eligibility.
Arizona Republic

The Masters is the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, but even Augusta National isn’t immune to the disruption caused by LIV Golf.

In April, what is likely to be one of the smallest Masters fields in decades will vie for the Green Jacket, as fewer professional players are receiving the necessary world rankings points to become eligible. Heading into the new year, just 77 players are set to qualify for the 2024 Masters once the final world rankings for 2023 are official. Since 2000, the Masters field has ranged from 87 to 99 players. 

A 78th player will qualify for Augusta at the Latin America Amateur Championship, but no further spots are guaranteed. Now, the only other way to qualify is by winning one of the 14 PGA Tour events before the Masters, or entering the top 50 in the world rankings the week prior to the tournament. 

The last time the Masters had fewer than 80 participants was in 1985, when the field size dipped to 77. In October, LIV Golf was denied its latest attempt to earn world rankings points for its events. Augusta National subsequently announced that it would not make special exemptions for LIV players. 

Earlier this year, 18 LIV members competed at the Masters, but just half of those players are exempt (through Masters or other major championship victories) for 2024. The other nine have seen steep drops in the world rankings — such as Kevin Na, who was in the top 50 a year ago and now ranks No. 620 — and they can’t make up any more ground. Jon Rahm, who just joined LIV, won the 2023 Masters and its $3.24 million prize, drawing in more than 12 million viewers for the final round.

The Masters typically brings by far the smallest field of golf’s four majors. The PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship annually have up to 156 players, and they allow more qualifying methods than the Masters.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

No. 1 Pick Cam Ward Is the Face of Football’s Transfer Portal..

Ward played for three teams in his college career, which started in 2020.
exclusive

Fox, Shannon Sharpe Settled Physical Incident With Female PA

Sharpe’s reps confirm a past “physical” incident was settled by Fox.

The House Settlement Is in Jeopardy. Here’s What It Will Take to..

The parties will try to salvage the settlement over the next two weeks.

The Bold NFL Draft Approaches of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders

The longtime college teammates are taking different professional approaches.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.
MLB Speedway Classic rendering

Baseball Meets Bristol: Braves-Reds Game Aims for Record Crowd

Playing an MLB game inside a racetrack brings unique challenges.
Vancouver
April 23, 2025

PWHL Picks Vancouver for First Expansion Team

More than 19,000 fans attended a game in Vancouver in January.
April 24, 2025

Fewer NFL Draft Prospects Will Be in Green Bay. Here’s Why

There will be 15 NFL Draft prospects in Green Bay.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
USL
April 23, 2025

USL Super League Sells Its Name in Push for Soccer Relevance

The deal was for seven figures.
April 23, 2025

NHL’s U.S. Playoff TV Ratings Down 27% in Early Games

This season’s numbers were down 12% compared to the 2023–2024 season.
April 23, 2025

Green Bay Gears Up for One of the Most Distinct NFL Drafts..

Around 250,000 fans are expected to attend this year’s draft.
April 22, 2025

NFL Draft Hosts: D.C., Denver, Buffalo Among Future Contenders

Pittsburgh will host in 2026, but 2027 and beyond is to be determined.