This wasn’t quite a tradition unlike any other, but Charles Howell III rarely got through the early part of the year on the PGA Tour without being asked about the Masters. He grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and no other tournament meant more to him.

Now the big change is the calendar and the scenery. Plus, there’s no guarantee anyone at the Hong Kong Open this week will even ask Howell about what’s at stake.

Winning the Hong Kong Open comes with an invitation to the Masters (and the British Open). Howell is part of a field with a heavy influx of LIV Golf players, particularly those who are not already secure for Augusta National or Royal Birkdale.

What stands out about Howell is he has not played anywhere but LIV Golf since he joined the Saudi-funded league in July 2022 after playing the J

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