Tiger Woods will not play at Bay Hill (Image: Getty Images)
Despite possessing a lifetime exemption to compete in the Signature Events, golfing legend will not be participating in the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational (API). The third Signature Event of the 2025 season is scheduled for next week at Bay Hill, where the crème de la crème of the PGA Tour will compete for a whopping £15.9million prize.
However, due to the limited field, several high-profile players, including 15-time major champion Woods, will not be taking part. The 49-year-old has the privilege of playing in the tournament named after fellow golfing titan Palmer, courtesy of a lifetime exemption awarded by PGA Tour chiefs last year in honour of his past triumphs. Yet, owing to persistent health concerns, fans will have to wait a while longer to witness the 82-time PGA Tour victor back in action.
Woods was anticipated to participate in this month’s Signature Event at the Genesis Invitational, a tournament he hosts, but withdrew following the passing of his mother, Kultida. For some time now, Woods has been maintaining a limited schedule on the tour as he battles various injuries.
His non-appearance at Torrey Pines sparked speculation about a potential comeback at Bay Hill, but he has decided against using his exemption. He’s not the only top-tier player missing from the lineup, with former team-mates Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth also absent from the Entry List.
Fowler and Spieth have faced challenges in maintaining their top form over the past year, resulting in a noticeable absence from premier events. Although they received an invite to the Genesis this month, they will notably miss out on the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational (API).
Both Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler received bad news regarding the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Image: Getty Images)
Sam Saunders, Arnold Palmer’s grandson and part of the team responsible for extending invitations, explained the decision behind overlooking Fowler and Spieth.
Speaking to Golfweek, Saunders remarked: “What our team did was try to pick players that, you know, it’s about protecting and growing the game of golf as a whole. And doing what’s the most balanced and fair process.
“Honestly, I think there was a lot of thought put into each and every player that was selected. At the end of the day, it’s who’s getting the ball in the hole the fastest that are the ones who get the opportunities. You can’t make everybody happy with exemptions. So you try to just do it as fair and balanced as possible.”
In a shift towards fresh talent, Saunders and his colleagues awarded the four tournament spots to Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Mackenzie Hughes, and Rafa Campos.
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