Masters organizers risk Tiger Woods’ fury by offering rare invitation to LIV Golf rebels

**Augusta National’s Controversial Move: Extending Invitation to LIV Golf Star Joaquin Niemann**

The organizers of the Masters tournament have stirred up a potential storm in the world of golf by extending a rare invitation to LIV Golf star Joaquin Niemann. This decision could put them at odds with their most revered former champion, Tiger Woods.

Woods has been vocal about the growing divide in golf and has stressed the importance of consulting all players when making decisions that involve crossover between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, as well as major competition organizers.

In the midst of the ongoing standoff between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, top-name players are finding themselves excluded from major events due to their loss of official ranking status.

Despite this, Augusta National Golf Club surprised many by offering special invitations to LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann, along with Ryo Hisatsune and Thorbjorn Olesen, for the 2024 Masters tournament. This move, while potentially exciting for the players involved, could further frustrate figures like Woods and his peers.

Niemann, at just 25 years old, has been vocal about the lack of recognition for LIV Golf players in the official world golf rankings. This limitation has strategically restricted opportunities for members of the Saudi-backed circuit to compete in prestigious events like the Masters.

Niemann’s recent victory at the 2023 Australian Open, coupled with strong performances on the DP World Tour, has caught the attention of Masters decision-makers, leading to his invitation to the upcoming tournament at Augusta National.

While Augusta National highlighted Niemann’s achievements on traditional tours, they made no reference to his performances in LIV Golf events in their press release.

It’s worth noting that Niemann is no stranger to the Masters, having won the Latin America Amateur Championship, an event affiliated with Augusta National, in the past. His upcoming appearance in the 2024 tournament will mark his fifth participation, following a commendable tied-16th finish last year.

The decision to invite Niemann, amidst the ongoing tension between golf’s governing bodies, underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding the sport’s current landscape.