Masters keeps plan to invite winners of six national opens

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta National said Monday it is returning to the Masters criteria that invites the winners of six national opens around the world, leaning again on the R&A's “Open Qualifying Series” to determine which tournaments to use. The R&A last year identified 15 tournaments — 12 national opens, some of which are part of various tours — taking top finishers who are not already exempt for the British Open. The Masters takes only the winner of the six national opens that also are among the Open Qualifying Series — Scottish Open, Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open,...