What Are the Requirements to Play in the Masters Golf Tournament?

The Masters is one of the most exclusive and competitive golf tournaments in existence. In addition to being one of the four big important golf tournaments, winning the Masters can be seen as cementing a player's career. However, not just anyone can play at the Masters tournament. Previous winners of the tournament are eligible, as are winners of the U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship from the past five years, but there are other ways to get into the Masters; they just take a lot of work.

  1. Amateur Players

    • If you prove yourself a top amateur golfer then a Masters invitation will be extended to you. The winner and the runner-up in the U.S. Amateur Championship are invited to play at the Masters. Winners at the British Amateur Championship, the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship are also invited to participate in the Masters Golf Tournament.

    Play Well

    • For professional golfers there are other ways to earn an invitation to the Masters. The top 30 players on the PGA's money earning lists will receive an invitation to the Masters. Additionally, the top 50 players on the world ranking lists will earn the same invitation. Players who aren't big earners can still get invited to join the tournament, though. The top 50 players on the world ranking list, regardless of what their earnings are or have been, will also receive invitations to the Masters Golf Tournament if they choose to accept them.

    Previous Tournament Play

    • For golfers who have competed in major tournaments the previous year and done well, there may also be a spot in the Masters available. The top 16 players from the previous years Masters Golf Tournament (aside from the winner, who has a lifetime invitation to play) will be invited back to play. In addition, the top eight finishers from the U.S. Open and the top four finishers from both the PGA Open and the British Open will be invited to play in the Masters Golf Tournament.