PGA player questions sponsor exemptions
Getting into the signature events on the PGA Tour means more now than ever. Elevated purses. More FedEx Cup points. More chances for someone to have a life-changing victory. However, trying to get into those events, if you’re on the outside looking in, is difficult. It’s why one PGA player questions sponsor exemptions.
Players have various ways to qualify for certain events such as the Aon Swing 10, which includes the top ten players who are not already exempt from the FedExCup standings. Another option is the Aon Swing 5, which covers the top five players who have earned the most FedExCup points but are not yet exempt from the swings of full-field events leading up to each signature event. Additionally, players may receive sponsor exemptions to participate in certain events.
Wu is suspicious
Some professional golf players who have been granted sponsor exemptions are causing some controversy. Dylan Wu, a 27-year-old PGA Tour player who has made three cuts in six appearances this season, shared his thoughts on social media on Saturday regarding the selection process for sponsor exemptions. Wu’s post was a response to a social media post that mentioned Adam Scott receiving his third straight exemption to a signature event, and Webb Simpson receiving one as well. Both Scott and Simpson are Player Directors for the Tour.
Dylan Wu on Twitter: “Great players and major champions. I can’t say much because I missed the cut hard this week but getting more than one sponsor exemption into elevated events doesn’t seem fair. Seems like if you’re a player director, you’ll get an invite into an elevated event. Seems suspect….. https://t.co/qQYGIBMoNj / Twitter”
Great players and major champions. I can’t say much because I missed the cut hard this week but getting more than one sponsor exemption into elevated events doesn’t seem fair. Seems like if you’re a player director, you’ll get an invite into an elevated event. Seems suspect….. https://t.co/qQYGIBMoNj
Wu’s Quote
“Great players and major champions,” Wu wrote in his post. “I can’t say much because I missed the cut hard this week but getting more than one sponsor exemption into elevated events doesn’t seem fair. Seems like if you’re a player director, you’ll get an invite into an elevated event. Seems suspect…..
“And trust me, they’re both great players that probably deserve it but this new model is all about meritocracy. Sponsor exemptions going to the same players every elevated event doesn’t seem to follow the “play better” saying. Seems like “be more famous” or “know the right people.”
Worthy of Exemption?
Scott has participated in three events in the current season, with his worst result being a tie for 20th place at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He managed to secure a T-8 finish at the WM Phoenix Open.
Over the past year, Simpson has only managed to finish in the top 30 once, securing a T-5 finish at the Wyndham Championship. He is currently ranked 235th in the world.
As Wu mentioned, Simpson hasn’t been able to perform well enough this season to qualify for the major events. However, he’s not the only PGA Tour professional who shares these thoughts. Others who are on the verge of possibly receiving an exemption may also feel the same way.
Base it on the current play
There have been numerous discussions about the Tour serving its top players first and then focusing on the majority of the Tour.
As Wu states, Scott and Simpson have accomplished enough throughout their careers, and Scott has had a strong performance this season. However, the question remains whether past performance should be given more weight than current form.
Wu’s stance on the matter is clear, and it’s likely that other people in his position share the same view.