Augusta National announced Wednesday that Joaquin Niemann and Nicolai Hojgaard have received special exemptions to play in the 2025 Masters.
Hojgaard, 23, finished T-16 at Augusta National last spring in his Masters debut. The 2023 Ryder Cupper is currently 60th in the Official World Golf Ranking. His twin brother, Rasmus, will also be competing in the Masters, marking the first time that twins will compete in the same tournament.
Niemann, 26, won twice on LIV Golf last year and captured the Asian Tour’s PIF Saudi International in December. However, because LIV Golf has failed to meet criteria for Official World Golf Ranking points, many of its players continue to plummet down the OWGR standings, thus restricting their opportunities to qualify for major championships. Though many of LIV’s constituents have long complained about the league’s failed accreditation, Niemann has been especially vocal on the subject.
Niemann did receive a special invite last year, spurred by winning the 2023 Australian Open. Interestingly, for the second straight year, Augusta’s press release failed to mention his play on LIV Golf. It will be Niemann’s sixth Masters appearance. His best finish is a T-16 in 2023.
“In support of Augusta National’s efforts to develop interest in golf globally, deserving international players not otherwise qualified have been invited throughout the tournament’s history,” Augusta National and Masters chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. “The tradition continues as we welcome Nicolai and Joaquin back to the Masters, as both players have showcased their talent while competing around the world. We look forward to their arrival this April.”
This is the 16th time the Masters has given special invitations since the tournament implemented OWGR as an exemption category. Last year it awarded three invites to Niemann, Ryo Hisatsune and Thorbjorn Olesen. The invites bring the 2025 tournament field to 87 competitors.
The 2025 Masters begins April 10. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champ.
Main image: Sarah Reed
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