The Masters has announced a rare and significant change to its qualifying system, expanding opportunities for international players while eliminating automatic invitations for PGA Tour fall event winners. Augusta National Golf Club confirmed that champions of six historic national opens will now earn a place at the Masters, aligning closely with the R&A’s Open Qualifying Series.
Six national opens added to Masters pathway
Starting with the upcoming season, winners of the South African Open, Australian Open, Japan Open, Spanish Open, Hong Kong Open, and Scottish Open will receive invitations to play at Augusta National. These tournaments span across the Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, Japan Golf Tour, Asian Tour, and DP World Tour, strengthening the global representation of the Masters field.
Notably, the South African and Australian Opens are among the oldest championships in golf, adding tradition and prestige to this new pathway. While the R&A typically awards multiple spots to top finishers in its Open Qualifying Series, the Masters will extend invitations only to the winners.
“The Masters Tournament has long recognised the significance of international representation,” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said. “By working alongside The R&A, we’re proud to reward top talent who rise to the top of historic national open championships.”
PGA Tour fall winners lose automatic spots
To maintain its small and exclusive field—traditionally under 100 players—the Masters has dropped automatic invitations for winners of the PGA Tour’s fall events. These tournaments often feature players outside the world’s top 100, competing to retain their tour cards after the FedEx Cup season.
In recent years, many fall winners were ranked outside the top 150, sparking debate over their inclusion in Augusta’s elite field. By shifting focus to national open winners, the Masters emphasizes international diversity and proven performance on historic stages.
First major criteria shift in over a decade
This marks the first significant adjustment to Masters qualifying standards since 2013, when the club reduced automatic entries from the top 16 to the top 12 finishers at Augusta and eliminated exemptions for the PGA Tour money list’s top 30.
Except for the Scottish Open, played in July and co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, the other five national opens fall between October and February—traditionally the same window as the now-removed fall events.
The R&A will release its full Open Qualifying Series in September for the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale, confirming these six opens will also be part of the global pathway.
Opportunities beyond the PGA Tour
The decision indirectly benefits players outside the PGA Tour ecosystem, including those from LIV Golf. While Augusta National has not created a separate exemption category for LIV players, those who compete and win in these national opens can secure a Masters spot.
Joaquin Niemann, for example, received a Masters invitation in 2024 largely due to his victory at the Australian Open, highlighting how these events create new doors for players worldwide.
A step toward a truly global Masters
For decades, the Masters has been known for its exclusivity and tradition. By opening its gates to winners of six historic national opens, Augusta National reinforces its commitment to global golf while maintaining the prestige of a limited field.
As Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, R&A championships director, summed up: “It sends a powerful message about the pathways to our championships and shines a light on tours and tournaments across the world.”
