Augusta National Golf Club have announced a change in qualification for participation in the Masters Tournament. The new criteria replace the previous qualification for Masters winners (ie: all former winners invited in perpetuity)::
Masters Champions age 65 or under on the first day of the Masters Tournament who actively participate in tournament golf. Active participation is defined as playing a minimum of 15 regular or senior events, during the preceding calendar year, deemed official or co-sponsored by the US PGA Tour, Senior PGA Tour, The European Tour, European Seniors Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Southern Africa PGA Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia or Asian PGA Tour. The effective date of this change is for the 2004 Masters Tournament.
Those over age 65 or not meeting the minimum requirement will continue to receive an invitation to the Masters where they can play practice rounds and Wednesday’’s Par 3 Contest and attend the Champions dinner. “We believe the new qualification criteria fair, equitable, and in the best interest of the Masters Tournament,” said Hootie Johnson, Chairman of Augusta National.
