OWGR Projection Predicts Four Masters Invites For Top 50 Pros

Jason Day and three other professionals are projected to qualify for Augusta National, according to the Official World Golf Ranking

Day lines up a putt whilst wearing a black top and hat
(Image credit: Getty Images)

With The Masters edging nearer and nearer, it's becoming clear as to who will qualify and make it to Augusta National. Currently, there are still some places up for grabs, and now, following the Quarter Finals of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, we know that an extra four players will be teeing it up at the first Major of the year.

According to projections made by the Official World Golf Ranking after the Quarter Finals at Austin Country Club, Harris English is projected to be No. 44, Keith Mitchell No. 46 and Min Woo Lee No. 47, with Jason Day also qualifying after a strong showing on Saturday. It's worth noting that these are the players who had not previously qualified for the Masters, but will be appearing due to the fact they will be inside the World's Top 50 on the 27th March. 

Upon hearing the news, Min Woo Lee posted a message to his social media accounts, with the Aussie stating: "To my team, family, friends and fans. I’m delighted to tell you some news. We are heading back to heaven on Earth. Augusta, see you soon @TheMasters." Certainly the news will be a big boost for Lee, who just two weeks ago suffered a dismal performance at The Players Championship having been in contention going into the final day.

Lee will be joined by his fellow countryman, Day, who has enjoyed a stellar start to his 2023. The 35-year-old produced a great showing in the WGC Match Play and arguably should have beaten World No.1, Scottie Scheffler, before he required medical assistance after suffering with allergies.

Currently, the former Major winner has four top-10 finishes in 2023 and will easily qualify for The Masters having missed the event last year for the first time in 11 years. What's more, he also has a great record round Augusta National, with five top-10 finishes, including a runner-up spot in 2011.

Day stands in front of a Masters leaderboard

Day heads to The Masters with some great form

(Image credit: Getty Images)

With the full field all but confirmed, the final spot at The Masters will go to the winner of the Valero Texas Open, with J.J Spaun managing the feat last year with a two-shot victory.

Although the predicted rankings will be cheerful news for the four mentioned, you have to feel for Lucas Herbert who, after losing to McIlroy by the slimmest of margins in his Last 16 tie, is predicted to finish 51st in the Rankings. This means that it's unlikely he will be making an appearance in Georgia, where he made his debut last year but missed the cut.

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x