23 February 2024 , 19:14
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LIV Golf star Joaquin Niemann is brimming with confidence after being handed an invite to compete in this April's opening major of the season at the Masters.
Niemann is one of a number of LIV stars who have slumped down the world rankings since making the Saudi switch. The Chilean's ranking fall has been more well documented than most, having labelled the Official World Golf Ranking 'unfair' on the back of his return to the DP World Tour last month.
Previously a top-20 player, Niemann now finds himself languishing outside the top 80, which has seen him venture to the PGA Tour of Australasia, DP World Tour and Asian Tour in a bid to gain some much-needed ranking points in recent months.
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The Torque GC captain's goal was to break back into the top-50 and secure a spot at the upcoming Masters, but he has to worry no more, after receiving a special invite from Augusta National. The exemption invite came whilst Niemann was in Asian Tour action at this week's International Series event in Oman.
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He is one of 21 LIV stars keen to bank OWGR points amid the breakaway league's ongoing ranking snub. After hearing the news, Niemann said: "I am super excited with that news. I obviously love that course at Augusta National and it is one of those courses you must be hitting it well off the tee and hitting it long.
"If I keep driving it well, I think it is going to serve me well and I’m looking forward to that week.” It has been quite the start to the season for Niemann, who has two wins in his last four starts coming at the Australian Open and LIV Mayakoba.
Joaquin Niemann is a man in form (Getty Images)And with three more LIV events to come before the trip to Augusta, the 25-year-old is confident he can compete for the famous green jacket in April. "I’m looking forward for all those next three weeks," he added whilst out competing in Oman. "They will all give me good preparation for what’s coming next.
"I like my chances and I want to play well. Obviously, I can’t say what’s going to happen, I have to go out there and grind it.” Niemann's Masters invite was confirmed on Wednesday, with the LIV star also joined by two DP World Tour stars in Thorbjorn Olesen and Ryo Hisatsune.
Augusta National Golf chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement: "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."