Joaquin Niemann, Ryo Hisatsune, and Thorbjorn Olesen have been granted special invitations to partake in the 2022 Masters at Augusta National, as announced on Wednesday. Niemann, who competes outside the LIV Golf League, secured the exclusive invitation as a result of his remarkable victory at the Australian Open and his active participation in tournaments not affiliated with the LIV Golf League, in order to accrue ranking points.
The Masters Tournament is scheduled from April 11-14, and Niemann’s invitation is in recognition of his exceptional performance at the Australian Open, where he emerged triumphant and achieved two additional top-10 finishes in European tour-sanctioned events. Despite his prominent status in the LIV Golf League, Niemann’s dedication to participating in other tournaments and accumulating ranking points has been acknowledged and rewarded with the esteemed invitation to the Masters.
In its announcement of the invitations, Augusta National highlighted its longstanding practice of inviting leading international players who have not qualified through other channels. The club underscored its commitment to fostering interest in the sport of golf on a global scale. This year marks the 15th occasion that the Masters has granted special invitations since 1999, extending invitations to Niemann, Hisatsune, and Olesen.
In addition to Niemann, 21-year-old Ryo Hisatsune, the first Japanese player to be named the European Tour Rookie of the Year, has also been extended an invitation to this prestigious tournament, alongside Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark, who boasts eight victories on the European tour and has participated in the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Niemann’s inclusion in the Masters field comes on the heels of his triumph at the Australian Open in December. Furthermore, Hisatsune’s notable accomplishments on the European and PGA tours, as well as Olesen’s impressive career on the European tour, have contributed to their special invitations to this esteemed tournament.
In conclusion, the decision by the Masters to extend special invitations to these talented and accomplished international players illustrates the tournament’s commitment to acknowledging outstanding performances in the realm of golf. Their participation adds an enticing dimension to the event, and golf enthusiasts around the world eagerly await their captivating performances at Augusta National.