Saturday, October 31, 2026

The Masters Stands By Rankings, Will Allow LIV Golfers

  • There are 16 golfers on the LIV Tour eligible to compete in The Masters.
  • The tournament takes place April 6-9.
Masters pin flag
Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

LIV Golf League players won’t be left out of next year’s Masters tournament.

Augusta National Golf Club announced that any golfer who qualified for the major championship based on its current criteria will be able to play.

The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings are invited. Additionally, players in the top 50 the week prior to the 2023 event will get an invitation. Invitations to the tournament — which takes place in Augusta, Georgia, on April 6-9 — will be sent this week.

There are 16 golfers on the LIV Tour eligible to compete.

  • Six of them are previous winners of the Masters: Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia, and Charl Schwartzel.
  • Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka are eligible thanks to their major wins.

“Our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a preeminent field of golfers this coming April,” Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said. 

“We look at every aspect of the Tournament each year, and any modifications or changes to invitation criteria for future Tournaments will be announced in April.”

LIV’s Lawsuit

An August lawsuit filed by Mickelson, DeChambeau, and nine other LIV golfers accused Ridley of working behind the scenes for the PGA Tour and instructing players in this year’s tournament to not defect to LIV Golf. 

The lawsuit also accused Augusta National of threatening “to disinvite players from The Masters if they joined LIV Golf.”

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PGA Tour Fills Part of $6M Void Left by Good Good Split

The Good Good Championship was renamed the Austin Championship.

Masters Open to Increasing National Open Winner Invites

“There could be others in the future,” Augusta National’s chairman said.
Golf - LIV Golf - United Kingdom - JCB Golf and Country Club, Uttoxeter, Britain - July 24, 2026 LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil at the course ahead of the second round

LIV Execs Paid Millions During PIF’s Funding Exit, per Court Docs

LIV CEO Scott O’Neil received a $6.375 million “retention payment” on June 24.
Aug 20, 2026; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Dustin Johnson tees off on hole four during the first round of the LIV Golf Indianapolis golf tournament at The Club at Chatham Hills.

LIV Golf Hangs On by a Thread As Clock Ticks on Future

A Sunday deadline for players to commit has passed.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/30/26 – First WNBA Game 7, Utah Targets Kalshi Founders, Cowboys Cheerleaders Unionize

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.

WNBA Finals Game 6 Draws 1.5M Viewers After Scheduling Uproar

The controversial matinee game outdrew last year’s primetime championship clincher.
Washington Capitals NHL star Alex Ovechkin takes part in the team’s first practice of the season days after he appeared in a propaganda ad for the United Russia party, which supports the regime of Russia's President Vladimir Putin, in Arlington, Virginia, US, September 17, 2026.
October 30, 2026

Russia Allowed Back Into International Hockey After Court Lifts Ban

Russia could be included in the Men’s World Championship next May.
First at FOS
October 31, 2026

Caleb Williams Hiding Cleat Logos ‘Makes Sense’ After Fines, CEO Says

Close to 100 NFL players wear Caddix cleats without endorsement deals.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
First at FOS
October 30, 2026

Tomlin Could Be Hottest NFL Coaching Candidate—If He Wants It

His broadcasting success could outweigh lucrative NFL coaching offers.
October 30, 2026

MLB Player Market Races Against Expected Lockout on Dec. 1

Contract option decisions begin what will be a compressed player market.
October 30, 2026

World Series Viewership Shows Impact of Broadcast Schedule Pivot

A pivot to a Friday start date paid higher dividends this year.
Oct 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) celebrates with fans after a victory over the Golden State Valkyries in game six of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena.
First at FOS
October 30, 2026

WNBA ‘Assessing’ Possibility of Prediction Market Deals

The NBA announced partnerships with Kalshi and Polymarket this week.