Augusta National announced this Wednesday that Joaquín Niemann and Nicolai Højgaard have accepted special invitations for the 2025 Masters.
The Chilean thus receives the honorary invitation for the second consecutive year, while the Dane enters the tournament through this route for the first time. With the additions of Niemann and Højgaard, a total of 87 players have been invited to compete in the 2025 Masters, which will be held from 10th to 13th April.
Ridley defended the decision: “In support of the tournament’s efforts to develop interest in golf worldwide, international players of merit who have not otherwise qualified have been invited throughout the Tournament’s history,” said Ridley. “The tradition continues as we welcome Nicolai and Joaquín back to the Masters, as both players have demonstrated their talent competing around the world. We eagerly anticipate their arrival this April.”
By accepting the invitation, Niemann will participate for the sixth time in his career in the event and, as mentioned, the second consecutive time through these means. The 26-year-old player has never missed a cut at the Masters, and his best result was in 2023, when he finished T16.
For Højgaard, it will be his second appearance at the Masters after debuting last season. The young Dane delivered a great performance, leading during the moving day, although he eventually slowed down in the decisive round and finished T16. It all points to Højgaard making history with his twin brother, Rasmus, as it will be the first time a pair of twins compete in the same Masters.
Following the invitation received last season, it may be somewhat surprising that the Chilean receives it again this year. Højgaard’s case is also notable as he had all the options to qualify on the field.
