Is Talor Gooch Playing at the 2023 Masters?

The Masters Tournament is inching ever closer, so it’s a good time to review whether the controversial LIV golfers will be in action. Indeed, the statement from Augusta National at the end of last year made headlines, when it allowed the rebel league’s players to participate in the major championship.

However, the announcement didn’t provide a direct entry to the defectors, because of which many players remain ineligible to play. But does Talor Gooch fall into that category?

Has Talor Gooch qualified for the Masters Tournament?

The 31-year-old was one of the unexpected names heading to the LIV Golf Series when the league came calling. With a field full of aging stars and surreal winners, Gooch added some spice to the roster.

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However, the decision disrupted Gooch’s career. His PGA Tour membership was suspended, with a future of participating in major championships cast in doubt. However, Fred Ridley, the Masters chairman, cleared LIV players to play at the 2023 Masters, but in accordance with last year’s regulations.

Many of LIV Golf’s stars have won a major championship or two, which has provided a direct entry to the Masters. However, in the case of Gooch and the rest of the non-major winners, the situation is greatly unpleasant.

The qualification rule for the Masters Tournament

While former major championship winners can enter the Masters, there is also a rule in place for the top-ranked golfers to participate in the event. At the end of the calendar year, the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) stand a chance to get an invitation to the tournament.

The ruling has been kind to Gooch, who was ranked 40th in the world before the start of 2023. It means the Oklahoma-born will be able to compete at the Augusta National Golf Club. It will be the golfer’s second Masters appearance following his T14 finish at the last year’s edition.

The position remains Gooch’s best-ever finish at a major championship. He has won a single PGA title during his time on the tour, which came at the RSM Classic in 2021.

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