PGA Tour fans were shocked to learn that Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were not granted exemptions for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The tournament, set for March 6-9 at Bay Hill, instead awarded sponsor invites to Rafa Campos, Mackenzie Hughes, Min Woo Lee, and Justin Rose. Many fans expressed frustration, questioning why two of golf’s biggest stars were left out of such a prestigious event.
Fowler’s omission is particularly surprising given his deep connection to the tournament and Arnold Palmer’s legacy. His sponsor, Cobra Puma Golf, releases special-edition gear annually in honor of Palmer. While both Fowler and Spieth have struggled recently, they remain major fan attractions, and their absence could impact the tournament’s viewership. With PGA Tour ratings declining, some believe this decision could further hurt engagement.
Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, calling the move a mistake. Some argued that the Tour should balance competitive merit with business sense, as excluding popular players might reduce audience interest. Meanwhile, defending champion Scottie Scheffler headlines a strong field, alongside Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, competing for the $20 million prize purse.
