There’s a new pathway into the Masters beginning in 2026.

Augusta National Golf Club and the R&A announced jointly on Tuesday plans to align aspects of the qualification criteria for the Masters Tournament and The Open, awarding invitations to winners and top finishers of select national opens beginning immediately. 

Winners of six national Opens will earn exemptions into the Masters and Open: Scottish Open, Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open, Australian Open and the South African Open.

“The Masters Tournament has long recognized the significance of having international representation among its invitees,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “We, along with the R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together. Today’s announcement strengthens our organizations’ collective vision of rewarding top talent around the world who rise to the top of historic national open championships. We hope this formal recognition shines a bright light on these players and the events they will represent at the Masters and The Open, beginning next year.”

This approach builds on the R&A’s longstanding Open Qualifying Series and will ensure strong international pathways into both major championships from several professional tours, recognizing the global strength of elite professional golf. That includes LIV Golf, providing another avenue into the Masters for its members should they compete and win any of these national opens. 

The Open Qualifying Series has been in operation since 2013 and offers players entry into The Open through prestigious Tour events across the world. Beginning later this year players can qualify for the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale through 15 events in 13 countries.

“We take great pride in the range of qualification routes we offer to players around the world through The Open Qualifying Series,” R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said. “We share the same goal as Augusta National to offer places in both The Open and the Masters to players competing in national opens and by doing so to help to showcase and strengthen our sport in those regions. This creates an outstanding opportunity for players in all parts of the world to qualify and we firmly believe this will continue to enrich the quality of the fields in both major championships.”

The schedule for The Open Qualifying Series and the list of exemptions for The 154th Open will be announced in September.

The 2026 Masters will be the 90th playing of the Masters Tournament and is scheduled for April 6-12. The 154th Open is scheduled for July 12-19 at Royal Birkdale.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Masters, Open Championship update exemption criteria for 2026 events