How Many Players Start at the Masters?
The Masters Tournament, often regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the world, attracts the best golfers from around the globe. With a rich history and a challenging Augusta National Golf Club as its backdrop, the Masters has become a must-attend event for professional golfers. One of the most frequently asked questions about the Masters is: how many players start at the Masters?
The number of players who start the Masters can vary from year to year, depending on several factors. Generally, the field consists of 100 players, including both professionals and amateurs. This number is determined by a combination of criteria, such as the world ranking, previous Masters performances, and invitations from the tournament committee.
The first category of players who secure their spot in the Masters field are the top 50 golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) as of the Monday before the tournament. This ensures that the strongest players in the world are always present at the Masters. The remaining 50 spots are filled by a mix of players who have performed well in previous Masters tournaments, winners of other major championships, and players who have been invited by the tournament committee.
In addition to the professional golfers, the Masters also features a group of amateur golfers. These amateurs are selected based on their performance in various amateur tournaments and their ranking in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). The number of amateur players in the Masters field can vary, but it typically ranges from 4 to 6.
The Masters field is also subject to changes due to various reasons, such as withdrawals, injuries, or disqualifications. In such cases, players from the next available world ranking or from the list of alternate players are invited to fill the spots.
In conclusion, the number of players who start at the Masters can be anywhere from 96 to 100, depending on the year and the specific circumstances. The combination of professional and amateur golfers, along with the diverse criteria for selection, makes the Masters an exciting and competitive tournament that showcases the best of the best in the golf world.
