Masters assured its smallest field in at least 20 years

SPORTS

Masters assured its smallest field in at least 20 years

The Associated Press Published Monday, March 26, 2018 4:47PM EDT

Justin Rose, of England, reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Masters golf tournament Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The Masters is assured its smallest field in at least 20 years, with no more than 88 players.

Cameron Smith of Australia was among four players added to the field Monday from the top 50 in the world ranking that is published one week before the Masters.

Also getting in through the world ranking was Satoshi Kodaira of Japan, Dylan Frittelli of South Africa and Chez Reavie. Reavie is the first American to earn a spot through the final ranking cutoff since 2012.

That brings the field to 87 who are expected to play. That includes U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka, who is recovering from a wrist injury. One spot is available to this week's Houston Open winner if he is not already eligible.

The 1998 Masters had 88 players, with only 86 in 1997.