The 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, set to take place from Apr 10–13, will feature 11 players from LIV Golf.
But Joaquin Niemann, who received a special invite last year, is currently ranked No.72 in the world by the OWGR and needs to break into the top 50 to qualify for the tournament. Niemann has been a sensation on the LIV Golf scene, ranking first in Birdies and Eagles and second-highest in greens in regulation percentage at nearly 73 percent.
He bagged two victories in 2024, one in Mayakoba and another in Jeddah, solidifying his elite status. Niemann pocketed over $27 million for the season, bolstered by a $12 million individual championship bonus for his second-place overall finish.
Despite his success, the Official World Golf Ranking [OWGR] doesn’t recognise any of his wins, creating a paradox where Niemann’s undeniable excellence doesn’t translate into what most golfers believe to be the game’s biggest prize: winning majors, specifically the Masters.
Joaquin Niemann’s performance in the major tournaments has been a mixed bag, with a notable 22nd-place finish at last year’s Masters overshadowing some of LIV Golf’s biggest stars. However, his second round was marred by a disastrous 78, featuring six bogeys and a double bogey meltdown on the 11th hole.
His efforts at the PGA Championship were less impressive, finishing 39th as he battled with driving accuracy at Valhalla Golf Club, managing only 58.9 percent compared to winner Xander Schauffele’s 73.2 percent and Brendon Todd, who just made the cut, with 76.8 percent.
Niemann’s tied for 58th at the U. S. Open at Royal Troon came amidst controversy, as the OWGR denied LIV Golf’s application for credentials, impacting even top LIV players. OWGR Chairman Peter Dawson commented, “It is unfortunate that no way to include LIV Golf in the Ranking could be found which would be fair and equitable to the 24 currently eligible tours and their thousands of playing members.”
To secure a spot at the Masters, Niemann must either be a past event winner, rank in the top 50 globally, or have won a qualifying tournament within the last five years. He’ll get his chance at the DP World Tour 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
His best finishes to date are 16th at the Masters [2023], 23rd at both the PGA Championship and U. S. Open, and 53rd at the Open Championship. As LIV golfers face challenges in obtaining official rankings, here’s a look at those who have qualified for next year’s Masters.
LIV Golf 2025 Masters Qualifiers:
Jon Rahm
Dustin Johnson
Patrick Reed
Sergio Garcia
Bubba Watson
Charl Schwartzel
Phil Mickelson
Brooks Koepka
Bryson DeChambeau
Cam Smith
Tyrrell Hatton