The Masters sends official invitation to defending champion Hideki Matsuyama

The 86th Masters will be April 7-10, 2022. You can almost hear the familiar voice of Jim Nantz, can’t you?

While the rest of us are scrambling to finish our Christmas shopping, the folks at Augusta National Golf Club sent out a friendly reminder Monday that April will be here before you know it.

The official Masters Twitter account posted a photo of an invitation to the 2022 event, with the envelope made out to defending champion Hideki Matsuyama. In 2021, he became the first Japanese player to win one of the majors on the men’s pro circuit and in this case, don the green jacket.

The 86th Masters will be April 7-10, 2022. You can almost hear the familiar voice of Jim Nantz, can’t you?

Matsuyama, ranked 18th in the Official World Golf Ranking, is in the field as a defending champion. Many others clinched a spot in the tournament as well. Monday marks the final OWGR of the year and the top 50 in that ranking who have not otherwise qualified have locked up a spot.

That’s great news for guys like Tyrrell Hatton (22), Corey Conners (38), Tommy Fleetwood (40), Takumi Kanaya (50).

Cameron Tringale just missed the top 50, as he checks in at No. 51. All hope is not lost yet for Tringale and those on the outside looking in. There’s still tournaments that can be won in the new year prior to the Masters and the top 50 on the OWGR published during the week prior to the current Masters Tournament are also invited.

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