LIV Golf players Joaquin Niemann, Thorbjorn Olesen and Ryo Hisatsune accept Masters invitations

Niemann has slipped outside the world's top 50 since joining LIV Golf but won the Australian Open in December and carded a 12-under-par 59 in the first round of the Saudi-funded breakaway's event in Mayakoba earlier this month.

The 25-year-old, who went on to beat former Masters champion Sergio Garcia in a play-off, finished joint 16th at Augusta National last year.

Masters chairman Fred Ridley said: "The Masters tournament has a long-standing tradition of inviting leading international players who are not otherwise qualified.

"Today's announcement represents the tournament's continued commitment towards developing interest in the game of golf across the world. We look forward to welcoming each player to Augusta National this spring."

Olesen, who finished joint sixth on his Masters debut in 2013, is currently ranked 59th in the world after winning the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at the end of January.

Hisatsune, who became the first Japanese player to be voted the DP World Tour's rookie of the year in 2023, will make his Masters debut.

A total of 83 players are currently in the field for the year's first major. Winners of upcoming PGA Tour events that award full rankings points will also become eligible, along with the top 50 in the world – not already exempt – on April 1.

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