Niemann, Hojgaard Accept Special Invites to 2025 Masters Tournament

LIV Golf's Joaquin Niemann and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard have accepted special invitations to participate in the 2025 Masters Tournament, Augusta National announced.

LIV Golf's Joaquin Niemann has accepted a special invitation to compete in the 2025 Masters Tournament, Augusta National announced on Wednesday. This exclusive invitation is part of the tournament's long-standing tradition of welcoming top international golfers who have not qualified through other means.

Niemann, 26, from Chile, will be joined by Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard, who also received a special invitation to participate in the prestigious event. Hojgaard made a notable impression in his Masters debut last April, holding top-six positions after each of the first three rounds. The invitations offer both golfers a unique opportunity to compete against the world's best at Augusta National.

Augusta National Golf Club has extended invitations to deserving international golfers who may not have otherwise qualified for the Masters Tournament, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote golf globally. This tradition continues, with chairman Fred Ridley announcing the return of Nicolai and Joaquin to the Masters. Ridley expressed his enthusiasm for their participation, stating, “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.”

Ridley welcomed the two golfers, saying, “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.” One of the invitees, Joaquin Niemann, has had a notable career, winning two LIV Golf titles in 2023 and finishing as the runner-up to Jon Rahm in the 2024 season-long Individual Championship. Niemann is currently ranked 71st in the world rankings.

Joaquin Niemann's impressive performance in the final months of 2024 secured his spot in the upcoming Masters Tournament. Notably, he finished in a share of seventh place at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and earned a share of fifth as defending champion in the Australian Open. Niemann also won an Asian Tour event in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating his skills on the international stage. This year will mark Niemann's sixth Masters start, following his debut in 2018 as the top-ranked amateur in the world and reigning Latin America Amateur champion.

Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann have accepted invitations to compete in the 2025 Masters Tournament. pic.twitter.com/CX4OoiAeBB

— The Masters (@TheMasters) January 8, 2025

Nicolai Hojgaard, on the other hand, made a remarkable Masters debut last year, briefly holding the lead during the third round before finishing in a share of 16th place. Hojgaard's 2024 season was highlighted by a seventh-place finish at the Paris Olympics and five consecutive top-25 performances on the DP World Tour. As the world number 60, Hojgaard's invitation to the Masters is a testament to his growing talent. Interestingly, Hojgaard's twin brother, Rasmus, has already qualified for the tournament, marking the first time a pair of twins will compete in the same Masters. The 2025 Masters Tournament is scheduled to take place from April 10th to 13th, with world number one Scottie Scheffler defending his title after winning his second major last year.