2024 Masters Field Shrinks as Small as 77 Players

• Bernhard Langer tees off during the final round of the PNC Championship golf tournament Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)

• 11 players who finish in the top 50 will be added to the field.

• Three players will make their Masters debut without a PGA or European Tour win.

Bernhard Langer tees off during the final round of the PNC Championship golf tournament Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)

AP

Hey there, golf enthusiasts! Grab your clubs and get ready for an exciting year in the world of golf. We've got some juicy updates and intriguing tidbits to share with you. So, without any further ado, let's dive right in!

First up, let's talk about the Masters. We all know it already has the smallest field among the majors, but the 2024 edition might just break records for its pint-sized roster. With only 77 players expected to compete, including three making their Masters debut, it's going to be quite the intimate gathering. Adam Schenk, Eric Cole, and Denny McCarthy will be stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta without having ever won on the PGA Tour or European Tour. Talk about nerves of steel!

Now, let's see who else is sneaking into the Masters through the backdoor. Eleven players are expected to secure their spots by finishing in the top 50 of the world rankings. The list includes familiar names like Will Zalatoris, Justin Rose, and Harris English, among others. Additionally, Luke List, Erik van Rooyen, Camilo Villegas, and Ludvig Aberg have earned their invitations for winning PGA Tour events in the fall.

But wait, there's more! The Latin American Amateur Championship winner in January will snatch another ticket to the Masters. And let's not forget about those precious special invitations for international players who don't typically grace the PGA Tour. Augusta National prefers keeping the field under 100 players, a tradition they've upheld for years. So, it seems like they're right on track with their vision.

Some notable players who narrowly miss out on the Masters include Chris Kirk and Matt Kuchar, who's used to having a touch-and-go relationship with the tournament. Kuchar, however, is not too bothered by the rankings game. He believes that playing good golf stems from a genuine love for the sport, not from the pressures of the world rankings. Well said, Kuchar!

Switching gears, let's talk about the fashion game in golf. Who can forget the swoosh logo famously associated with Tiger Woods? Well, speculation has been swirling about his relationship with Nike lately. Tiger still dons their product on the golf course, but the absence of the iconic swoosh on his shoes has raised some eyebrows. Is this the end of their partnership, or is it just a temporary change? Only time will tell!

Speaking of fashion, Tiger's son Charlie has been making waves for his stylish wardrobe choices. During a recent tournament, he was seen sporting a purple tone shirt from Greyson Clothiers, a brand associated with players like Justin Thomas. Could this be a hint at a potential endorsement deal, or is it simply a fashion preference? Hmm, the plot thickens!

Now, let's turn our attention to Kevin Kisner, who is no stranger to the PGA Tour. But this time, he's skipping out on bringing his clubs to the event. Kisner will be stepping into the broadcast booth as the lead analyst for NBC at The Sentry and the WM Phoenix Open. NBC has been on the lookout for a commentator to fill in the shoes of Paul Azinger, and they believe Kisner's straightforward and candid style will resonate well with viewers at home. Best of luck to him in this new endeavor!

We also have some exciting news on the college golf front. Fred Biondi, who won the NCAA individual title last year, had the opportunity to enter the Masters as an amateur. However, the talented Brazilian golfer made the decision to turn pro instead. He recently competed in the Q-school for the PGA Tour and secured his spot in the first 12 Korn Ferry Tour events. Biondi believes it's time to embark on a new chapter in his golfing journey, and we wish him the best of luck!

Last but not least, let's talk sponsors. Cognizant, a New Jersey-based company, has been actively involved in golf through their partnership with The Presidents Cup and the LPGA Tour's Founders Cup. Now, they are stepping up their game as the title sponsor of what formerly was the Honda Classic. The tournament, now called the Cognizant Classic, will still be played at PGA National, providing an exciting platform for golfers to showcase their skills while supporting the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation. It's always great to see companies giving back to the community!

Well, there you have it, folks—a whirlwind tour through the latest buzz in the world of golf. From a potentially record-breaking Masters field to fashion intrigues and new broadcasting ventures, the golfing world is heating up. So, buckle up and get ready for an action-packed year on the greens. Until next time, happy swinging!

Note: This transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.