Ishikawa, Wiratchant heading to Augusta National

Augusta, GA – Ryo Ishikawa and Thaworn Wiratchant have accepted invitations to play in this year's Masters according to Augusta National chairman Billy Payne.

"Through our established qualifications, and invitations to select international players not otherwise qualified, we historically bring together a collection of the world's top players, and this year is no different," stated Payne. "The Masters has long established a tradition of supporting the global game, and we were excited to extend invitations to Thaworn Wiratchant and Ryo Ishikawa, who we hope will provide added interest and enthusiasm for golf in Asia through their participation in the tournament."

With the addition of the two players, the Masters field currently stands at 85 players.

Ishikawa will being playing in his fifth straight Masters tournament. He has missed the cut in three of his previous four appearances, but did tie for 20th in 2011.

Wiratchant won last year's Order of Merit on the Asian Tour, and is also the tour's all-time leader in victories. He will be making his first start at the Masters, starting April 11.