Augusta, GA – The Masters golf tournament, one of the most prestigious events in the sport, will be switching to a match play format beginning in 2024, according to sources close to the tournament’s organizers. The decision has been met with mixed reactions from fans and players, but one legendary golfer, Tiger Woods, has expressed enthusiasm and is even set to acquire an ownership stake in the new tournament format.
“I think it’s a fantastic move to switch to match play,” Woods said. “It’s a format that really tests a player’s skills and strategy, and it will be exciting to see how the world’s best golfers compete against each other in this format. I’m also excited to be a part of this new venture and help shape the future of the Masters tournament.”
Under the new format, the tournament will be divided into a series of head-to-head matches, with players competing against one another in a bracket-style competition. The winner of each match will advance to the next round until only one golfer is left standing, who will be crowned the champion of the Masters.
The switch to match play format is not without precedent. The Ryder Cup, a biennial team competition between the United States and Europe, has used the format since its inception in 1927. The World Golf Championships and the Volvo World Match Play Championship also use the match play format.
The decision to change the format of the tournament comes after years of discussions and debate among officials, players, and fans about the best way to showcase the world’s top golfers and create a more exciting and competitive atmosphere for viewers.
“We’re always looking for ways to evolve and improve the tournament, and we believe that the match play format will provide a fresh and exciting way to showcase the world’s top golfers,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the Masters each year.
Several top golfers have expressed their support for the new format, including reigning Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who said that he is “excited to see how the new format will play out.”
With Tiger Woods acquiring an ownership stake in the new tournament format, fans and players are eagerly anticipating the changes that are set to come in 2024. The Masters tournament has a long and storied history, and this latest move to a match play format is just the latest step in the tournament’s evolution