Special Exemption for TW's

[fixyurdivot]

Well, no real progress on the PGAT - PIF negotiations but the PGAT Enterprises Board approved a special exemption for TW's to play in any elevated/special event that he chooses.  I totally get the monetary aspect of the decision but do not support the decision based solely on lifetime achievement.  It just seems wrong and disenfranchises other players who have worked hard to make the event based on season play. What say you?

[RickyBobby_PR]

Tiger is the biggest draw, it has huge financial benefit for the tour, the city where the tournament js held and ultimately for the pga tour members.

It appears that you missed the other announcement that they approved a minimum of 72 players in these events.

BTW Tiger already has a lifetime tour exemption so before today he can show up to any non select event and play and bump someone who worked hard that could have played in the event.

Plus if anyone ever reaches 80+ wins they get the exemption too so while the chances are Tiger will be the only golfer ever to get to use it. It’s an actual category others can qualify for with an exceptional career 

[Swood1994]

I’ll have to disagree. I think Tiger is in a very finite group of players that shaped the game of golf. It just so happens he still can play in today’s tour. Given that, I think him being at the elevated events will only help to achieve what the tour intended with these events in the first place: getting the players that people want to see all in the same place. Tiger is one of those players. While other players worked hard to get there I think they all have the same amount of respect for Tiger given that most of the players on the bubble looked up to him growing up. 

[fixyurdivot]

34 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

Tiger is the biggest draw, it has huge financial benefit for the tour, the city where the tournament js held and ultimately for the pga tour members.

It appears that you missed the other announcement that they approved a minimum of 72 players in these events.

BTW Tiger already has a lifetime tour exemption so before today he can show up to any non select event and play and bump someone who worked hard that could have played in the event.

Plus if anyone ever reaches 80+ wins they get the exemption too so while the chances are Tiger will be the only golfer ever to get to use it. It’s an actual category others can qualify for with an exceptional career 

No, I did catch that but still not in favor of the exemption. Adding it to the elevated events just seems a bot too much. But it is all about the money, so there is that. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

18 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

No, I did catch that but still not in favor of the exemption. Adding it to the elevated events just seems a bot too much. But it is all about the money, so there is that. 

He’s not gong to play in most of those events. He’s barely going to play a full schedule and he’s already said he has to be careful before a major to not get hurt before the major.

It’s way less of an issue than I see some people making out of it. 

[Preeway]

Wholeheartedly agree that this is a bad idea. I get that he’s still a big draw but that draw is quickly fading. I would be more open to the announcement if he became ineligible for the PIP at the end of the year. Otherwise this is just a money grab and a desperate attempt to keep Tiger relevant since he can’t play more than a handful of times a year as it stands. 

[ballhawk]

There comes a point in time where every professional athlete should retire from competition. I for one hate to see a topflight pro struggle and slide backwards in standings and become a disappointment to many who are wishing to see a Pheonix rise from ashes and soar high again. Tiger has to fight not only his injuries but Father Time - who by the way has never lost. Even though he has said that he would not play the senior tour, he should. He still has that competition mind set and he would be able to use a cart and what gigantic boost it would be for all concerned.  

[Fongle]

It honestly felt a bit slimy to me tbh. The elevated events, with the exemption of the hosted events, (Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer, and Memorial) are all no cut, boosted prize money events. I 100% understand why they're doing it, with the PGA bleeding viewership in recent times and Tiger guaranteeing extra eyes on screens, but having a billionaire get free invites to events that were meant to reward consistently performing and participating players must be a bit of a slap in the face to those players who've actually earnt them.

And before someone replies with saying he's earnt it with his performance over his career, yada yada, these events weren't meant for that purpose, it was mean to reward players who aren't constantly skipping events, which is the exact opposite of what Tiger does these days. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

The tiger hate is hilarious.

Tiger is the needle. Nobody had issues with Jack and others playing in events well past their prime.

They added more spots to the events so they opened the door for even more current players to get a chance. More opportunities for everyone

[Byrnzee]

10 hours ago, Swood1994 said:

I’ll have to disagree. I think Tiger is in a very finite group of players that shaped the game of golf. It just so happens he still can play in today’s tour. Given that, I think him being at the elevated events will only help to achieve what the tour intended with these events in the first place: getting the players that people want to see all in the same place. Tiger is one of those players. While other players worked hard to get there I think they all have the same amount of respect for Tiger given that most of the players on the bubble looked up to him growing up. 

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Preeway]

1 hour ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

The tiger hate is hilarious.

Tiger is the needle. Nobody had issues with Jack and others playing in events well past their prime.

They added more spots to the events so they opened the door for even more current players to get a chance. More opportunities for everyone

It isn’t hate for Tiger. The elevated events are a response to players jumping for LIV and a way to get more money into the hands of the top players. Tiger isn’t going to LIV and he isn’t a top player. If they want him there because it guarantees more viewers and thereby more sponsorship money, then so be it. It’s just a bad look IMO. And when he end up finishing 60 out of 72 on a regular basis, his ability to gain more viewers will also likely diminish as well.

I’m only a a couple years older than Tiger and followed everything that was Tiger through my high school playing days. I still want to watch to see if he’s got another win left in him. But watching him struggle to break par these days isn’t must see TV. 

[RetiredBoomer]

2 minutes ago, Preeway said:

It isn’t hate for Tiger. The elevated events are a response to players jumping for LIV and a way to get more money into the hands of the top players. Tiger isn’t going to LIV and he isn’t a top player. If they want him there because it guarantees more viewers and thereby more sponsorship money, then so be it. It’s just a bad look IMO. And when he end up finishing 60 out of 72 on a regular basis, his ability to gain more viewers will also likely diminish as well.

I’m only a a couple years older than Tiger and followed everything that was Tiger through my high school playing days. I still want to watch to see if he’s got another win left in him. But watching him struggle to break par these days isn’t must see TV. 

Tiger isn't necessary to get the big golf fan demographic in term of live attendance and television ratings.   He's still a draw to the casual fan, however, just like previous superstars were before him, playing past their prime.  He's still an asset to the sponsors.

[RickyBobby_PR]

20 minutes ago, Preeway said:

It isn’t hate for Tiger. The elevated events are a response to players jumping for LIV and a way to get more money into the hands of the top players. Tiger isn’t going to LIV and he isn’t a top player. If they want him there because it guarantees more viewers and thereby more sponsorship money, then so be it. It’s just a bad look IMO. And when he end up finishing 60 out of 72 on a regular basis, his ability to gain more viewers will also likely diminish as well.

I’m only a a couple years older than Tiger and followed everything that was Tiger through my high school playing days. I still want to watch to see if he’s got another win left in him. But watching him struggle to break par these days isn’t must see TV. 

Tiger has a lifetime exemption on the pga tour already. This does nothing to hurt anyone and gives the exemption back to him for events prior to this past season he already had.

He’s also not hurting anyone currently playing if he plays in one. The PGA Tour expanded the fields for these events so it actually helped more people have the chance to play in them.

having the best player at an event isn’t a bad look, it’s a bonus. Was it a bad look when the U.S. Open gave him an exemption? No and nobody was complaining on here that he got one.

If you think his performance or lack of will eventually stop drawing viewers you really have no idea about the Tiger effect. The viewers and fans will be there because they want to see Tiger and the belief that his game is still good enough to win. It’s no different than when Jack or Arnie showed up. They draw eyes no matter what.

You may not want to see him but there are lots of people that still do. Denying that is not based in reality. 

[Preeway]

12 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

Tiger has a lifetime exemption on the pga tour already. This does nothing to hurt anyone and gives the exemption back to him for events prior to this past season he already had.

He’s also not hurting anyone currently playing if he plays in one. The PGA Tour expanded the fields for these events so it actually helped more people have the chance to play in them.

having the best player at an event isn’t a bad look, it’s a bonus. Was it a bad look when the U.S. Open gave him an exemption? No and nobody was complaining on here that he got one.

If you think his performance or lack of will eventually stop drawing viewers you really have no idea about the Tiger effect. The viewers and fans will be there because they want to see Tiger and the belief that his game is still good enough to win. It’s no different than when Jack or Arnie showed up. They draw eyes no matter what.

You may not want to see him but there are lots of people that still do. Denying that is not based in reality. 

I haven’t said his PGA exemption is hurting anyone. Didn’t say this is hurting anyone either. But the “Tiger Effect” is anything like it used to be. And there are hoards of people complaining about the amount of TV time he gets even though he isn’t anywhere near contention. This year’s Masters was a good example. It was annoying how much attention he was getting compared to other players who were in the top 10. While nobody was going to catch Scottie, I didn’t need to see Tiger hit another errant tee shot or make another double. Time will tell if this is a good move or not. I doubt he even uses this exemption very often considering his inability to play very often anymore. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

11 minutes ago, Preeway said:

I haven’t said his PGA exemption is hurting anyone. Didn’t say this is hurting anyone either. But the “Tiger Effect” is anything like it used to be. And there are hoards of people complaining about the amount of TV time he gets even though he isn’t anywhere near contention. This year’s Masters was a good example. It was annoying how much attention he was getting compared to other players who were in the top 10. While nobody was going to catch Scottie, I didn’t need to see Tiger hit another errant tee shot or make another double. Time will tell if this is a good move or not. I doubt he even uses this exemption very often considering his inability to play very often anymore. 

The Tiger effect is still the same. People want to see Tiger even if it’s for two days and the hope that he can play well enough to make the weekend. When you are still the needle the effect is still there.

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

13 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

Well, no real progress on the PGAT - PIF negotiations but the PGAT Enterprises Board approved a special exemption for TW's to play in any elevated/special event that he chooses.  I totally get the monetary aspect of the decision but do not support the decision based solely on lifetime achievement.  It just seems wrong and disenfranchises other players who have worked hard to make the event based on season play. What say you?

Tiger is Tiger. Love him or hate him, he is still the needle and has the biggest draw on the sport. He may not do much for many now, but he brings the eyes from more than any other golfer. At the end it is a business and now that he only plays once a month his draw has that much more pull. 

For me, let him have his last dance in the sun. He won't likely be playing at a overly competitive pace for that much longer and it will be good to see him play where he can. As for the spot he may take, that is why sponsors exemptions exist. They are their for the sponsors to bring in money for their event. Whether that is a player they sponsor (look at Sneds and others) or Tiger, that spot is to help them make the event more worthwhile for them. Sure it is great when they give it to an up and comer, but for them this is a business and if giving Tiger a spot means they are willing to put up 20 plus million to host an event then by all means let them have it. They have surely paid to have that option and in my opinion for us to not judge it or question it. 

[fixyurdivot]

2 hours ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

The tiger hate is hilarious.

Tiger is the needle. Nobody had issues with Jack and others playing in events well past their prime.

They added more spots to the events so they opened the door for even more current players to get a chance. More opportunities for everyone

I find it interesting that "Tiger hate" becomes the immediate claim about anyone not completely endorsing everything related to Tiger.  I did not intend for this thread to become a love or hate TW's debate but it seems we cannot have a discussion about him without that happening.  Just because some don't agree with the latest exemption does not mean they hate Tiger.

If Tiger truly is "the needle", that is a problem in itself for the PGAT and may in fact be part of their downward slide in viewership/interest.  If the likes of Scheffler, Morikawa, Hovland, and and healthy bucket full of new stars cannot draw crowds and viewership, that is a problem.  

I've stated in other threads that it's great seeing Tiger still out in the field.  If he's feeling well enough to play and not risking more injury, why not.  I just don't agree with the latest decision.  

 

[Preeway]

14 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

I find it interesting that "Tiger hate" becomes the immediate claim about anyone not completely endorsing everything related to Tiger.  I did not intend for this thread to become a love or hate TW's debate but it seems we cannot have a discussion about him without that happening.  Just because some don't agree with the latest exemption does not mean they hate Tiger.

If Tiger truly is "the needle", that is a problem in itself for the PGAT and may in fact be part of their downward slide in viewership/interest.  If the likes of Scheffler, Morikawa, Hovland, and and healthy bucket full of new stars cannot draw crowds and viewership, that is a problem.  

I've stated in other threads that it's great seeing Tiger still out in the field.  If he's feeling well enough to play and not risking more injury, why not.  I just don't agree with the latest decision.  

 

I think you nailed it. The PGAT has done a poor job of promoting their own product. The likes of JT, Rickie and Spieth aren’t moving the needle anymore. There is so much young talent not getting hyped it’s no wonder people are switching tours. While I am not a LIV fan, they have in fact done a much better job of promoting their product. The TV coverage does a better job of showing more action and more players. The last 1-2 hours of the US Open only showed three players on the course and would even show Rory walking the fairway for 1-2 minutes when they could have been showing actual shots taking place by other players. Yes, the story line was Rory/DeChambeau but so much action was being missed in their coverage. As much as I crave more opportunities to watch Tiger, what I really want to see is old school Tiger rather than the modern version. If he isn’t up to form then show me all the young guns out there killing it. And there are a lot of young guns doing just that. 

[EMacK1961]

I happen to love seeing Tiger in the field in any golf tournament. I also think his best chance to get to 18 majors is at Augusta and at The Open. Tiger's earned entry in those for life, or at least age 60. This move by the PGAT is simply a recognition of what Tiger has done for the Tour. Tiger being in any field is a moneymaker. Whether he competes at a level good enough to win...well that is a debate for another day. I don't think that the move by the Tour is right or wrong. They can, and often, do what they want. It is without a doubt that Tiger still moves the needle. If the Tour wants to acknowledge Tiger's achievements by giving him entry into those tournaments, cool. Will that make me want to watch? Sure. But I won't solely be focused on how Tiger's doing. There is enough talent on the Tour to simply tune in and enjoy.

[bens197]

I support it.  He is the singular reason why the game has become so popular.  Regardless if he can compete there is a population of golfers that wants to see him in person.  What a great thing for a parent to spend a day on the course with their kids saying “there he is…”

[FrogginBullfish]

Tiger has more than earned and is more than deserving of every special exemption granted to him

[Berg Ryman]

I mean, I think this is kind of a natural development of his current schedule to be honest. He says he plans on playing once a month, so with the current tour schedule with elevated events here's what that looks like.

Sentry in January if he wants

Pebble in end of Jan

Rivera in Feb

Bay Hill in March

Harbor Town in April

Quail Hollow in May

Jack's Place in June

Travelers in July

Add in the Players, the 4 majors, and maybe Farmers for potential stops.

So looking there and putting together the major schedule, Tiger plays once in Jan, maybe Twice in Feb, Twice in March, once in April, maybe Twice in May, Twice in June, once in July, and then if he qualifies for the FedEx Cup. It seems a natural progression as to where he is right now, 11 events a year for sure, with maybe one or two additional stops, plus the silly season stuff with Charlie and the Sim league he's doing

Edited June 20 by Berg Ryman

[ShimmyCocoBop]

Tiger is still worth watching and if I were a PGA Tour peer, I would enjoy any opportunity to be paired with him at least for the short term.

However, he won't keep playing very long if, in his mind, he can no longer compete.

Bob Jones, Hagen, Hogan, Nelson, Snead, Watson, Miller, Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Trevino, Annika and more knew when to quit competing and start playing in Hit & Giggle events.

[Josh Parker]

I have never been a Tiger fan but he moves the needle.  He has earned it like many of the greats before him that get the same treatment.  I also don't think that he will do more than a few a year as the competitor in him wants to compete and win and not just show up.  

[Hacker60521]

Not much to add here, but I thought the move made a lot of sense. It recognizes Tiger for what he’s done over his lifetime, and his contributions to the game. And by giving him this special status, it also frees up a sponsor exemption which could go to someone else. And heck ya I’d go watch Tiger if I had the chance.

As a Chicagoan, this situation is in some ways like Michael Jordan. Granted basketball takes a lot more physical effort, so it’s not like you could watch MJ “past his prime”. But if he had played in a charity event or something fun like that I would have gone. Same thing like Tiger, watching MJ play in his prime was amazing. 

[Dave Hamilton]

It will be interesting to see how many he actually plays...

[KC Golf]

Given his health situation, I really doubt this creates a big burden for other qualifying tour players.  But I am sure his potential attendance helps ticket sales and sponsor dollars.

Tiger basically built the PGA Tour to what it is today, so I believe he deserves this honour.

[Jim Shaw]

My support for Tiger has gone up and down throughout his career, however in the last 10 years I have been a big Tiger supporter and yes, he should be invited to all the elevated events, he has earned it. 

[Shrek74]

Tiger's lifetime PGAT status is what he's "earned" through his play over his time. This exemption decision is a combination of a money grab and the PGAT holding on for dear life to try and stay relevant and popular. They've done very little over the past few years to reinvent themselves, especially after the LIV break. They aren't really showcasing any of their new stars or doing anything special to bring in new viewers. In fact, their tournament coverage has only gotten worse. More commercials than shots shown. Only showing a handful of players over a 3-5 hour coverage. Did I mention all the commercials? The ESPN+ coverage on Th/F morning does a better job than Golf Channel or NBC/CBS/Fox combined.

Personally, I don't think Tiger "moves the needle" the way he used to. He still wiggles it, but it doesn't move the way did 10 years ago. It's become sad to watch him limp his way around a course and not really compete in any meaningful way.

His results in 2022, 2023, & 2024 (so far):
2022 Master's: 47th
PGA: WD
The Open: MC
The Genesis: T45
2023 Master's: WD
Hero World Challenge (glorified guys weekend): 18th (out of 20 players)
The Genesis: WD
2024 Master's: 60th
PGA: MC
US Open: MC

Sorry, but that's not competing.

I'd rather see him step away from competing and take a place to help rebuild the PGAT. Perhaps some type of Vice-Commissioner position or something where he can actually make a difference for the entire tour, not just a handful of events a year. Or perhaps take a lead role in promoting the LPGA or PGAT Champions and help build them up.

The PGAT is basically leaderless at this point, and this is all they can come up with to try and help themselves. It's sad in so many ways.

[Hook DeLoft]

I gave a "like" to one of the posts that thinks the Tour shouldn't have done this, but I am actually a little torn.  Woods has certainly earned any honors the Tour wishes to give him.  On the other hand, I hate seeing him struggling to finish rounds and not compete in any meaningful way.  It's the old story of an athlete hanging on longer than many fans would wish.  We like to remember the great play and hate watching the struggle that will only get worse.  I think this is the reason I've always liked the Masters tradition of great retired players hitting a ceremonial first tee shot.  We get to see them and remember their great days without watching them struggle to play the course.  At this point, I would like to see Tiger take a victory lap of the majors and call it a career.  I just see no evidence that his body will ever let him be competitive.