Tiger Woods, a legendary golfer with an unparalleled career, has received a special sponsor exemption from the PGA Tour. This exemption allows him to participate in eight signature events on the tour annually, despite his current ranking outside the top-50.
The PGA Tour recognizes Tiger Woods' exceptional contributions to the sport by creating a special sponsor exemption that will allow him to play in the tour's eight signature events each year. This exemption acknowledges Woods' remarkable achievements, which include 82 career wins, equaling the record held by Sam Snead. Additionally, he has secured 15 major championships, placing him second only to Jack Nicklaus' 18.
Woods has participated in a limited number of events this year, playing in only four tournaments. As a result, he would ordinarily be ineligible to compete, as he has not maintained a top-50 position in the FedEx Cup rankings. However, the PGA Tour recognizes Tiger Woods as a player in a class of his own, with an exceptional lifetime achievement threshold of over 80 career victories.
PGA Tour Grants Tiger Woods Special Exemption for Signature Events
The Tour has introduced "signature events" in response to the emergence of LIV Golf and ongoing discussions with the Saudi-funded league and its players. These limited-field events offer increased prize purses and more FedEx Cup points. The signature events for this season include The Sentry, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage, Wells Fargo Championship, Memorial Tournament, and the Travelers Championship.
Woods has played in only nine events since the 2022 Masters, with the Genesis Invitational being the sole non-major tournament he has participated in. However, he withdrew from this tournament that he hosts at Riviera.
PGA Tour Grants Tiger Woods Special Exemption for Signature Events
It remains uncertain whether Woods will continue to participate in competitive golf after the Open Championship next month. He missed the cut at last weekend's U.S. Open and has struggled in recent majors, failing to secure a top-20 finish in over 13 major championships since his 2019 victory at the Masters. However, he has confirmed his participation in the Open Championship, which will be his final tournament of the year.
Woods' potential presence at the Open Championship at Royal Troon, which commences on July 18th, has generated much anticipation. He has not made the cut in the tournament since 2018, and his last appearance was in 2021.
PGA Tour Grants Tiger Woods Special Exemption for Signature Events
The PGA Tour's initiative to honor Tiger Woods' outstanding career highlights his enduring legacy in the sport. Despite his recent challenges, he remains an iconic figure whose presence on the course continues to captivate golf enthusiasts worldwide.
