Masters sticks with plan to award invitation to winners of 6 national opens

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Augusta National said Monday it is returning to the Masters criteria that invites the winners of six national opens around the world, leaning again on the R&A's “Open Qualifying Series” to determine which tournaments to use.

The R&A last year identified 15 tournaments — 12 national opens, some of which are part of various tours — taking top finishers who are not already exempt for the British Open.

The Masters takes only the winner of the six national opens that also are among the Open Qualifying Series — Scottish Open, Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open, Australian Open and South African Open.

Tom Kim won the Scottish Open in July and already is exempt for the Masters in April, though he also would have qualified by reaching the Tour Championship.

“The Masters Tournament has a longstanding history of assembling an international field, so we embrace this opportunity to highlight the global nature of the game of golf,” Chairman Fred Ridley said in a news release. ”Today’s announcement reinforces our shared commitment with The R&A to offer pathways for players from around the world to earn their place in the Masters and The Open.”

All but the South African Open, scheduled for next March, will be held in the fall.

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