Tiger Woods Set for Unprecedented PGA TOUR Exemption

Tiger Woods is the subject of a potentially unprecedented PGA TOUR exemption status that would allow him to play in the $20 million signature events, despite being one of the least active players on tour.

Woods is already a lifetime PGA TOUR member due to his career victory count, but it does not automatically qualify him to compete in the signature events that draw the biggest names, biggest crowds, and biggest purses.

317 yards on his first drive of the day.@TigerWoods can still send it. pic.twitter.com/NRjvRUf7Lr

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 14, 2024

Currently, Woods has to earn a sponsorship exemption for the signature events. The only one he plays in every year is the Genesis Invitational at Riveria Country Club, a tournament that he and his foundation sponsor.

However, the PGA TOUR Policy Board is considering a change that would allow Woods to play in each of the signature events, giving him a chance to win record amounts without having any of the required prerequisites.

Next week at the Travelers Championship, the Policy Board will discuss giving Woods a special exemption that would be exclusive to him, and that would allow him to play signature events. 

First reported by Golf.com, the PGA TOUR’s Greensheet newsletter described to players the situation it is considering for Woods:

“These [original four sponsor’s] exemptions are intended to capture players who are important to the tournament sponsor but who are not otherwise qualified. To maximize these spots for the membership and to provide optimal flexibility for the tournament sponsor, the PAC supported adding an additional sponsor exemption recognizing Tiger Woods in his own category as a player who has reached an exceptional lifetime achievement threshold of 80+ career wins.”

There is no doubt Woods, despite his performances in recent years, is still a needle-mover. It could be what the PGA TOUR needs to offset declining viewership ratings as some of the biggest names in golf moved to LIV over the past few years.

Major Championships still perform well, but it is no surprise that heavy-hitters playing together only four times a year bring the biggest TV ratings. Woods could potentially help the cause, especially if he makes a run at winning one of the events.

Cover Image via Golf Digest