2004 Masters field is finalised

Defending champion Mike Weir will head a field of around 95 players in the opening round of the U.S. Masters at Augusta National next week, organisers said on Monday.

Five players have received last-minute invitations to compete in the first of the year's four majors, lifting the overall total to 103, but Augusta officials expect eight ageing past champions will decline to play.

"It's always difficult to predict the exact number but I think you can bank on roughly eight former winners not teeing off in the first round," a media spokesman told Reuters.

Some past champions accept they can no longer be competitive at Augusta, but the likes of six-times winner Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer will be in action next week for their 44th and 50th Masters starts.

Twice major champion John Daly, Australia's Craig Parry, South African Trevor Immelman, Britain's Brian Davis and American Todd Hamilton were the five to receive invitations on Monday.

Daly earned his spot by finishing in the top 10 in the PGA Tour money list after the Players Championship at Sawgrass on Sunday while the other four qualify by being ranked in the world's top 50.

Parry is 33rd, Hamilton 40th, Immelman 43rd and Davis 50th. Hamilton and Davis will play at Augusta for the first time.

"I'm totally excited to be back in the Masters again," said Daly, who will make his 10th start after playing just once at Augusta National in the last three years.

"I live to play the Masters, like most of the guys out here. I haven't been too often in recent years, so it's a thrill for me to be going back," added the 37-year-old, winner of the 1991 U.S. PGA Championship and the 1995 British Open.

Daly made his Augusta debut in 1992, tying for 19th. His best Masters finish was a share of third in 1993.

The 2004 Masters will be played at Augusta National from April 8-11.

Canadian left-hander Weir won last year's title in a playoff, edging out American journeyman Len Mattiace at the first extra hole.