“Any event he’s ever played in he’s made it bigger, he’s made it better, he’s drawn more eyeballs to it, and I think just as an organization we wanted to celebrate his exceptionalism in that manner.” These words from Jay Monahan about Tiger Woods resonate deeply. After all, who could deny it? Mr. T’s golf journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and despite recent challenges, thousands of fans still flock to catch a glimpse of the 48-year-old pro golfer.

Since his accident in 2021, Tiger Woods’ career has faced a steady decline. However, his past achievements continue to secure his elite status in the world of sports, whether through a 2024 US Open exemption or the PGA Tour Policy Board’s recent favorable treatment of the legend.

Jay Monahan supports added lifetime exemption for Tiger Woods

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced that Tiger Woods would receive a lifetime exemption to all Signature Events starting in 2025. What does this mean for Mr. T? It means he will be eligible to participate in the eight Signature Events throughout his entire golfing career. The PGA Tour has introduced a new “Lifetime Achievement Exemption Category” specifically for him, allowing Woods to remain part of the field despite his reduced schedule.

Ahead of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship, Monahan revealed the 2025 season schedule, confirming that LIV Golf and the PGA Tour would hold their events separately. This separation provides Woods with even more opportunities to prove himself in the upcoming season. Since 2021, he has only appeared in ten PGA Tour events.

And well, it is due to his several injuries and surgeries that he has not been playing very well. Even this year, Woods only participated in five events, withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational, landing a 60th finish at the Masters, and missing the cuts in the remaining three majors of the season. His struggles have drawn criticism from some quarters.

Colin Montgomerie called Tiger Woods not fit for the Open Championship

After Woods missed back-to-back cuts at the PGA Championship and the US Open, Scottish pro Colin Montgomerie suggested that it might be time for Woods to retire from the sport. In an interview with The Times, the 62-year-old Montgomerie remarked, “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him.” He even added that Mr. T’s current form is far from what it was during his prime when he defeated Montgomerie by five strokes at the 2005 Open Championship.

Montgomerie hinted that Woods might not belong in the field of 157 players at the Open Championship. However, the PGA Tour committee’s decision to grant Woods a lifetime exemption ensures he will have yet another chance to demonstrate his enduring significance to the golf community.

Do you think giving Tiger Woods the lifetime exemption is a wise decision by the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments section below!