Amid Phil Mickelson’s ‘Strong’ Proposal, Can LIV Golfers Without a Major Win Qualify for the 2023 Masters?

Just hours ago, Phil Mickelson took the golf world by storm! The 4-time major winner suggested that a fellow LIV golfer would make a “strong addition” to the Augusta field despite him not qualifying. This, of course, got fans wondering how the defectors could be eligible to compete for the green jacket. Besides winning majors and getting an invite, are there other ways for those playing in golf’s new Saudi-backed league to qualify for the Masters? Fortunately, there certainly are!

How can LIV Golf players qualify for the Masters?

It is quite common knowledge that all former Masters winners receive a lifetime invitation to the event. But obviously, there are other ways pros can qualify for the event too! All the winners of the remaining three majors receive a five-year invite following their major win. The Players Championship winner additionally receives a three-year standing invitation.

Based on the eligibility criteria, players who’re placed in the top 4 of the remaining three majors, along with the top 12 players at the Masters, also receive invites for the following year. Furthermore, golf pros who rank within the top 50 of the OWGR on the last day of the year receive an invite to the following year’s Masters. Pros who rank within the top 50 a week before the event, receive invites too.

Read More – Phil Mickelson Gives His Seal of Approval to the 2023 Masters With Rare Twitter Appearance

Another way pros can qualify for the event is by qualifying for the PGA Tour’s previous season’s Tour Championship. The final, Hail Mary by which they can take the field is by a special invitation from Augusta. Although rare, it is possible that exceptional defectors could receive an invite, although none have yet.

How many LIV golfers besides Phil Mickelson have received invites?

Including the three-time Masters champion, 17 other players have received invites. Six of those players are former Masters champions and have lifetime passes. The remainder qualified by either being past 5-year major winners or by being in the top 50 ranking as of last year. But even more than that, how many qualified students have been robbed of a spot at Augusta?

Since the breakaway tour has not yet received OWGR points, many players’ rankings have tanked since signing with them. Moreover, the PGA Tour ban on the defectors has kept them from competing on the Tour and earning points or a place in the Tour Championship ranks.

Watch This Story – PGA Tour Loyalist Justin Thomas Takes a Sharp Dig at Greg Norman and LIV Golf 

Do you think the Masters needs to change its criteria for the tour of defectors? Or do they deserve what’s coming to them? Let us know in the comments below.