In a surprising twist, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, two of the most popular names in golf, have been told they won’t be getting sponsor exemptions into next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. This decision has raised a few eyebrows, especially considering both players were granted exemptions into two major events earlier this season—the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational.

While neither had a standout performance, with Fowler and Spieth finishing well down the leaderboard at Pebble Beach and Spieth missing the cut at Genesis, it’s still a head-scratcher why they won’t be given a chance at Bay Hill. However, that did not stop either of them from still attempting to make it to the field. At least, that is what Rickie Fowler stated.

The Cognizant Classic is about to conclude in just two more rounds. And one of the many ways they can still make it to the field is by winning a trophy ahead of the event. Currently, Spieth is tied for 25 on the leaderboard, with a whopping six strokes behind Jake Knapp, who is leading. Things are way easier for Fowler. He is tied for 7, with just three strokes behind Knapp. Still hopeful about winning, at the post-round presser, Rickie Fowler said, “Obviously I’m bummed that I won’t be there next week. It’s a special event, and obviously I had a very special relationship with Mr. Palmer. But we’ll see. We’ll see if we can get a trophy this week, and that would take care of that.”

There are several ways to secure a spot in signature events, but they all boil down to one thing: “play better.” Unfortunately for both Fowler and Spieth, their 2024 seasons weren’t up to par, leaving them outside the top 50 in the FedExCup standings, which would have given them entry into all eight signature events in 2025. Aside from improving their play, players can also earn entry by winning this week’s Cognizant Classic, being in the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking (Spieth is currently 70th, Fowler 95th), or making it into the Aon Swing 5, which highlights players showing strong form.

The top five FedExCup points earners from both the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld and the Cognizant Classic will also earn a spot in next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. Taking to these few opportunities that they still have, Fowler said, “Well, at the end of the day, play better. It would be a lot easier just having played well last year and earned my way into these events. Been very fortunate and very thankful to Steve John at Pebble and AT&T to get a spot there and Tiger and Genesis to get the one at Torrey. But it’s tough to try and get all of them. Being able to get some of them is great.”

As Schupak reports, tournament director Drew Donovan did not name the four sponsor invites or divulge the selection committee’s criteria during a phone interview. However, Sam Saunders, the grandson of Arnold Palmer, confirmed that he is a member of the sponsor exemption committee for the API and also confirmed that even Gary Woodland, would not be receiving an invitation. But the question is, who got the sponsor invite then?

Rafael Campos received a sponsor exemption for the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Puerto Rican PGA Tour player Rafael Campos made a tough decision this season, one filled with both pride and emotion. While he’ll miss playing in his National Open, he’s stepping up to compete in the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of the Tour’s Signature Events. With the Puerto Rico Open set as the opposite event to the API in 2025, Campos was faced with a choice between Bay Hill and the Grand Reserve at the Rio Grande. The decision, given the Arnold Palmer Invitational’s status and its $20 million purse, seemed clear. But for Campos, it wasn’t just about prestige—it was about representing his homeland.

When he received the sponsor’s exemption to play at Bay Hill, Campos couldn’t hold back his emotions. “I was a little teary-eyed,” he admitted, recalling the moment. His wife, concerned, asked if something had happened, to which he responded, “We got a spot in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.” This opportunity meant the world to Campos, who shared that he had written around 150 letters to sponsors over the years, seeking exemptions to play in various tournaments. He’s only received two responses—this being one of them.

Campos reflected on the significance of this moment for him and his fellow Puerto Ricans. “It means a lot to us, to me, to us, the Puerto Ricans,” he said. “Being able to play in a bigger event, a bigger opportunity… it really motivates the younger generations back home.” Campos has become known for his emotional moments on the course, and this one is no different. His tears were not just for himself but for the chance to inspire those following in his footsteps.

Do you think he will be able to make the best use of this opportunity? Let us know in the comments section below!