LIV Golf Update: Joaquin Niemann Receives Unexpected Masters Invitation

Joaquin Niemann’s dreams have finally come true! After a record-breaking win at the LIV Golf Mayakoba, the 25-year-old expressed a wish to compete in majors, especially the Masters. Hurdles in his dream? He plays for the rival league. While it seemed impossible at first, it has now become a reality.

Joaquin Niemann, along with Thorbjørn Olesen and Ryo Hisatsune, has accepted the special invitation to the 2024 Masters Tournament. This will be Niemann’s fifth Masters appearance. However, this one will be more special and unexpected as it is his first after defecting. He has top-five finishes in each of his three DP World Tour starts this season, which resulted in this special invite. Furthermore, his win at the Australian Open in December 2023 also furthered his cause.

The official site of the Masters Tournament updated that 83 players have been invited to compete in Augusta Nationals. The inclusion of Niemann in that list is a big win for the Chilean golfer and his fans.

Joaquin Niemann and his dream to play in the Masters

The 25-year-old has shown unwavering passion for his dream to play in a major tournament. Despite joining the breakaway league, he regularly competes in the DP World Tour. The reason? To maintain his OWGR high enough to get a chance to play at major tournaments. He currently ranks 81st in the Official World Golf Ranking.

After his win at the 2024 LIV Golf season opener, the Chilean golfer expressed his desire to play in the majors but followed the same with a savage comment, “I gotta get in first.” But with his incredible performance in the European circuit, he has cracked the door of a LIV Golf player competing in major tournaments.

Read More: Majors Take Over Family Time for LIV Golfers? Joaquin Niemann & Squad Commits to Another Event

Along with a special invite to the Augusta Nationals, Joaquin Niemann can also compete in this year’s Open Championship. This is due to the fact that the Australian Open, which he recently won, serves as a qualifying event for the major. Even the Masters Tournament is eager to welcome the 25-year-old.

In a statement by Masters chairman Fred Ridley, he claimed this invite “represents the Tournament’s continued commitment toward developing interest in the game of golf across the world.”

The Masters Tournament is scheduled to take place from April 8 to April 14 at Augusta National Golf Course. How will LIV Golf player Joaquin Niemann fare against the PGA Tour regulars? Only time will tell.

Watch This Story | LIV Golf News: 3 Major Takeaways as the $3B PGA Tour-PIF Merger Deadline Gets Extended, Per Reports