We are officially a month from the 2025 Masters in Augusta, Georgia. While most of the top dogs in golf have secured their spot, many big names are still on the outside looking in.
Missing the Masters? Big Names In Jeopardy
The Masters Tournament has a strict invitation-only qualification system. The criteria in place is to ensure only the best are on display at Augusta. The only way to guarantee an invitation to the tournament is by becoming a Masters champion. It’s not the easiest feat in the world but once you become a champion you are invited back for life.
The champion of the other three majors in golf also receives automatic invites for five years after their win, and the champion of The Players also receives the same treatment. Every player who is ranked top-50 in the world will also receive an invitation. This also includes players who were ranked in the top-30 of the previous year’s FedEx Cup standings.
Those who finish in the top 12 for last year’s masters or the top 4 from last year’s majors will also qualify. But even if you meet none of these qualifications, there is still a chance. Given at the discretion of Augusta National Golf Club, special invitations can be awarded to international or exceptional players.
Those In Danger of Missing the Tournament
This could be the fourth time in five years that we haven’t seen Rickie Fowler at the Masters. This six-time PGA Tour winner has had yet another disappointing season. In 2023, we saw his return to form with a win at the Rocket Mortgage and a Ryder Cup appearance. But this year, Fowler is a measly 92nd-ranked player in the world and looks set for another omission.
Louis Oosthuizen could be one of the biggest omissions from this year’s field. Since joining LIV Golf, the South African has struggled to make up the necessary amount of world ranking points to qualify for majors, including The Masters. Last year was the first time Oosthuizen missed the tournament since 2009. After narrowly losing to Bubba Watson in 2012, he may not get another chance at the green jacket.
The biggest name of all could miss out not through play but from other circumstances. Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods has faced significant challenges recently. His mother’s passing on February 4 deeply affected him, leading to a hiatus from practice and competition. Additionally, fellow golfers have raised concerns about the condition of his legs, especially given the demanding terrain of Augusta National. As of now, Woods has not committed to the tournament, leaving his participation in doubt.
Some other notable names currently not qualified for the Masters is a pretty long list. Matt Kuchar, Webb Simpson, and Francesco Molinari are a few. But there is still time left for these players to fly into Augusta come April. There are three PGA Tour events from now until the Masters. A win at any of these tournaments guarantees your spot. But playing just good enough can help those who are on the bubble burst into the top 50 in the world.
Main photo credit: © Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images
