The Masters field this year will see a significant drop in the number of players - as the sport's civil war continues. Out of the 88 golfers set to tee off , only 13 are part of the Saudi-backed league, a decrease from last year's 21, despite the recent signings of Adrian Meronk, reigning champion , and Tyrrell Hatton. Former winners Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, and Sergio Garcia, along with Rahm, have secured their spots due to their lifetime exemption. Recent major winners Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith also have their places secured. Hatton, Meronk, and Joaquin Niemann are in thanks to their recent performances, leaving eight on the outside looking in. Mirror US Sports has compiled a list of LIV
golf stars who won't be participating in Augusta this week. Despite winning LIV Golf's event in Hong Kong, Ancer will not be returning to Augusta this year,
BREAKING his streak of four consecutive starts. The former World No. 11, who played all four majors in 2023, is currently not exempt from any this year. Varner, who finished in the top 30 at the last two Masters, will not be back this year, even after his first LIV Golf win in
Washington DC last May. The 2010 Open champion will be present at Royal Troon this summer, but that's the only major Oosthuizen will be participating in this year. Despite making it into the top 50 of the rankings in 2022 and winning at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and Mauritius Open late last year, he still couldn't crack the top 100. Na has seen a significant drop in his rankings, sitting at 1257th as of the end of March this year. He won't be adding to his four career top-15 finishes at Augusta, especially after withdrawing mid-first round due to illness last year. After failing to make the cut last year and finishing tied-14th at Augusta, Kokrak won't have a chance to redeem himself this year. He didn't participate in the other three majors in 2023 and will miss all four this year. Unlike his fellow countryman Niemann, Pereira won't be at Augusta. His tie for third at the 2022 PGA Championship earned him his first Masters invitation, but after making the cut on his first attempt, he won't get another shot this year. Despite qualifying for last year's Masters through the 2022 Tour Championship and his ranking, Gooch won't be returning this year. After missing the cut at the PGA Championship and The Open, he isn't scheduled to play any majors this year. Seven years after tying for fourth place in his first Masters appearance, Pieters hasn't been able to reach those heights at Augusta again. Despite participating in the last eight majors, that streak is set to end this year. The Belgian golfer faces the possibility of missing all major tournaments for the first time since turning professional.