Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley Drops Verdict on LIV Players' Eligibility

(Photo : Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, looks on during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National Golf Club.

The chances of seeing more golfers participating in The Masters took a huge blow following the latest update from Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley.

The 71-year-old golf administrator said that they are unlikely to make any changes to its eligibility criteria for next year's tournament, meaning there could be fewer players from the LIV Golf League competing in the first major in 2024, the Associated Press reported.

"As you recall last year, there was some speculation as to whether or not we would invite LIV golfers, and we stayed true to our qualification criteria and we invited everyone who was eligible," Ridley said at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, host of this week's Asia-Pacific Amateur.

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This comes not long after the Official World Golf Ranking committee rejected LIV Golf's request to gain ranking points for its 48-man, 54-hole events, ESPN reported.

Although Ridley added that they would continue to look into the matter, this development means that only a handful of LIV golfers will be taking part in the 2024 Masters.

Aside from past champions, only Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and Koepka are eligible to participate.

"These decisions have been made and we'll have to do what's in the best interests of the Masters and we'll continue to do that," Ridley added.

LPGA legend is the newest member of Augusta National Golf Club

Aside from The Masters, Ridley also confirmed that LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam is the newest Augusta National Golf Club member.

Women were not allowed to become members of the club until 2012, Golfweek reported.

"I am very excited about Annika," Ridley said. "She is a delightful person. As you know, we have a number of women members and have for quite a few years. I think it made us a better club, and they are an integral part of our culture."