four major championships, which includes the Masters. The LIV has split the loyalties of the players and it is unfortunate that we now only get to see the best players compete against one another on four occasions each year. Without OWGR points awarded to the LIV and as exemptions from winning previous majors expires, these opportunities will become even less rare. That is a huge loss for professional golf. The Masters can control a few special invitees and does have a tradition of inviting leading international players who are not otherwise qualified for the tournament. This year Chairman Ridley gave a special invitation to Joaquin Niemann, who qualified for the tournament in years past, before he switched to the LIV. Augusta National and The Masters can normally dictate everything that happens at the Masters Tournament, but they can’t mend the broken professional golf scene right now. They will still host The Masters and golf fans will still be amazed at the beauty and tradition of this annual harbinger of spring. Hopefully Augusta National and the other ruling bodies in golf, the USGA, the PGA and DP World Tour can find a solution to this rift in men’s professional game and get back to producing competitive golf featuring the biggest names and best players for golf fans to enjoy.
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