Golf-Augusta National not planning Masters exemption category for LIV Golf

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 14, 2024 Fred Ridley, Chairperson of Augusta National Golf Club gives a speech during the green jacket and trophy presentation REUTERS/Mike Segar

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) -Players who compete on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit should not expect to see a special exemption that would give them a direct pathway into the Masters anytime soon, Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley said on Wednesday.

The United States Golf Association, which organises the U.S. Open, created an exemption in February for LIV Golf players and the R&A followed suit five days later in announcing a formal pathway for golfers on the breakaway circuit.