Special invitation
Ernie Els says he received an invitation to Augusta National for the first week in April: It just wasn’t an invitation to play in the Masters.
Els had to clarify a tweet from Sunday that said: “Thank you for a Great Xmas present! TheMasters Can’t wait!” That led several media sites to post stories that Els, a four-time major champion, had received a special exemption into the Masters.
Instead, the 48-year-old South African received a letter welcoming him as an honorary invitee. His fiveyear exemption into the Masters from winning the
2012 British Open ended last year.
Augusta National has a tradition of inviting past major champions as honorary guests for the week.
Els tweeted Monday : “Wanted to clarify my excitement getting an invite from TheMasters. Work continues to qualify to compete!”
“The inclusion of Honorary Invitees has been a great tradition at the Masters Tournament for many years,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said. “This coming year the list includes Ernie Els, and we are once again excited to welcome him and all of these distinguished guests to Augusta National in April.”
The Masters pays homage to major champions more than any of the other majors by giving them special access as honorary invitees that includes two clubhouse badges, a $1,000 honorarium and a gift to commemorate them being there.