The PGA Tour is recognizing Tiger Woods’ star power, with victories in 82 tournaments and 15 majors, by letting him automatically qualify for eight signature events.
The Sponsor Exemption for Lifetime Achievement goes to golfers with 80 wins. Woods is the only active player above the threshold.
Tour officials cited Woods’ ability to draw viewers as a major factor for the exemption.
“It’s important to me because the man, as the exemption says, has won more than 80 events. And I think being able to give him the opportunity to compete in these events, any event he’s ever played in, he’s made it bigger, he’s made it better. He’s drawn more eyeballs to it. I think just as an organization, we wanted to celebrate his exceptionalism in that manner,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said at a press event Wednesday.
The exemption for Woods will go into effect in 2025.
Each of the events offers a greater cut of prize money and increased points that count toward qualifying for the FedEx Cup Playoffs each year.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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