Rickie Fowler’s latest exemption for the Genesis Invitational has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether he truly deserves it. Fowler has benefited from exemptions before, including in 2021 when he tied for 8th at the PGA Championship. Despite criticism, he acknowledged the accusations, saying, “You’re still gonna hear some stuff once in a while.” Now, some golf insiders are also expressing their thoughts on the matter, and well, it does not look good for Fowler.

In the latest episode of the No Laying Up Podcast on YouTube, an insider shared thoughts on sponsor exemptions in golf. The conversation centered around Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, two prominent golfers who have benefited from sponsor exemptions. While the insider believes Spieth deserves these exemptions due to his exceptional talent and recent health issues, they think Fowler doesn’t warrant the same treatment.

The insider’s reasoning is based on the idea that sponsor exemptions should be used to give opportunities to players who are genuinely deserving but may have fallen through the cracks due to circumstances like injury. “I think Spieth’s record warrants it, and I think him being hurt, having surgery last year, it’s almost like a major medical.”

Initially, Spieth had injured his wrist while playing with his son Sammy in May 2023. At first, he tried to rest and recover in place of getting surgery. But he ended up aggravating it in the fall of 2023 and was diagnosed with ulnar nerve damage. However, he didn’t stop playing. He had to nearly withdraw during the first round of last year’s RBC Heritage after a tendon in his wrist “popped out,” as he attempted to hit the greenside bunker shot.

Right after failing to qualify for the BMW Championship to get into all of this season’s Signature Events, he said, “I’ve got to get it operated on ASAP.” And that is exactly what he did, but he chose the off-season timings to proceed with the surgery so he doesn’t miss any of the major championships. The surgery turned out to be successful, and he started to focus on his recovery. This time around, though, he was careful not to hit the greens before the doctors cleared him to do so. However, once he was cleared by the doctors to play, he chose Nerf balls first.

In contrast, Fowler doesn’t have a compelling reason to receive an exemption, and his recent performance doesn’t justify special treatment. Just look at his T21 finish at the American Express (69-62-71-71) and T53 finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (68-69-72-73).- that doesn’t exactly scream top-tier. “If somebody else, like Ricky, for instance, I don’t think Ricky should be in, but I think Spieth warrants it.” The insider went on to say, “I have no issue with it, although I would be fine if they got rid of sponsor exemptions completely for the Signature Events.”

Not only golf insiders, but one PGA Tour pro has also expressed his thoughts on Jordan Spieth’s incredible par save at the WM Phoenix Open.

Jordan Spieth’s tunning par save steals many hearts

Michael Kim, who was playing alongside Spieth, captured the moment on social media, describing it as “Siiicckkkk” and joking that he and his caddie, Maverick, had predicted it would be a “most Spieth par ever.” The dramatic par save came after Spieth’s tee shot on the 11th hole veered into the desert, forcing him to get creative with a left-handed swipe using his putter.

Spieth’s unorthodox third shot from the desert sand somehow landed just a few feet from the hole, and he drained the putt to save par, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Although Spieth’s impressive performance wasn’t enough to secure the top spot, his escape from the desert will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament. Thomas Detry ultimately took home the title, dominating Sunday with a 6-under 65 to finish at 24-under 260, seven shots ahead of the rest.

What did you think of Spieth’s incredible par save? Was it one of the most impressive shots you’ve seen lately? Let us know in the comment section below.