• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 15, 2025
One Day till Tuned In! Get a Last Second Ticket!

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

January 5, 2025; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Hideki Matsuyama hits his fairway shot on the 13th hole during the final round of The Sentry golf tournament at Plantation Course at Kapalua.

PGA Tour’s January Season Opener in Jeopardy With Kapalua Closed

The Plantation Course in Maui won’t reopen until at least Nov. 1.

US Open Set Attendance Record, Men’s Final Ratings Surged 82%

Attendance and television viewership of the tennis major again reach historic levels.

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.
Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.