LIV Golf star qualifies for next year’s Masters

Breaking into the field at the Masters is beginning to prove difficult for LIV Golf stars, highlighted by just 13 turning up this year.

Talor Gooch was among the notable absentees and even caused a storm when suggesting there will be an asterisk over the tournament.

Meanwhile, Louis Oosthuizen was the most decorated of those to miss out on a trip to Augusta National for the opening major in the calendar.

But still, last year’s champion Jon Rahm was in Georgia, alongside the likes of Bryson DeChambeau – who finished atop the unofficial LIV leaderboard – and Brooks Koepka.

Joaquin Niemann was handed a special invitation to compete, too, while six other past champions (excluding Rahm) teed it up, as Scottie Scheffler won a second Masters title.

The American surged clear on the back nine, with DeChambeau faltering to a round of 73 and, ultimately, nine shots back of the eventual champion.

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And after four days of using 3D printed irons, DeChambeau sent a plea to Augusta National as his Masters exemption runs out next year.

Asked if that is a crazy thought, he said: “It is. I don’t know what the future holds, but one thing I do know, if I do get invited, I’d gratefully come back after my exemption is up.”

The 30-year-old was given a five-year exemption after winning the U.S. Open in 2020, but all eyes have turned to a LIV colleague who has played his way back into the Masters next year.

After having no current exemptions, Tyrrell Hatton secured a T9 finish at Augusta to seal his spot in the 2025 Masters.

Players finishing in the top 12 are granted a special exemption into the following year’s tournament.

The Englishman said before the week that he had ‘no chance’ of winning a green jacket, and almost played his way out of the top dozen late on Sunday.

After a sensational round, which included five birdies and zero bogeys, Hatton proceeded to unravel on the final two holes, dropping shots at both.

“I mean, finishing bogey-bogey is just hard to take,” he said.

Hatton played the final hole in four-over-par for the week and that was helped by a five on Sunday. On missing his par putt to wrap up the final round, Hatton added: “It’s frustrating.

“I’ve hit a perfect putt I wanted to on the last. Unfortunately, it didn’t go in. I just have to hope now that doesn’t cost me an invite here for next year.”

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Thankfully for Hatton, it didn’t. Others finishing inside the top 12 and punching a ticket to Augusta next year were Cam Davis, Matthieu Pavon and Adam Schenk.

Meanwhile, Hatton shared that he was pleased to see a few familiar faces after being a bit ‘nervous coming back’.

“I have friends on the PGA Tour, and it was so nice to see them. It’s only been a couple of months, but it’s great. I get on well with quite a few of the guys. It was a warm reception coming back.

“In some ways you’re always a bit nervous coming back, but yeah, I think when I messaged the group chat, to the Ryder Cup chat to tell the lads that I was going, I was nervous sending the message.

“Obviously I was nervous joining LIV, as well. But the messages that I got back were really positive and made me feel at ease.

“As I said, it’s been great to see those guys this week. I’m looking forward to seeing them again next month at the U.S. PGA.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.