Sam Saunders, the grandson of Arnold Palmer, told Golfweek on Thursday that despite their popularity, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth would not receive exemptions into the field for the Arnold Palmer Invitational next month.
Saunders, himself a professional golfer, said he was part of the sponsor exemption committee for his late grandfather’s event and added that former major champion Gary Woodland was also not among those selected for one of four sponsor invites.
“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,” Saunders said. “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.”
The four players have not been formally announced, but Rafael Campos of Puerto Rico revealed during a press conference at the Mexico Open that he was chosen for an exemption and will make his tournament debut at Bay Hill Lodge & Club. Campos ranks No. 180 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
“One of my granddad’s final quotes was he considered himself to be a steward of the game and a caretaker of the game and I think Rafa Campos falls beautifully into that category,” Saunders said in part. “And you know, it’s also providing an opportunity that maybe he wouldn’t get otherwise, and certainly a well deserving player, and someone who embodies the spirit of Arnold Palmer quite well.”
Spieth hasn’t won on tour since 2022, Fowler has just one victory this decade and they’ve dropped to No. 70 and No. 95 in the world rankings, respectively.
One of them could still play their way into the signature event’s field by winning this week at the Cognizant Classic. Through two rounds, Fowler was tied for seventh at 10 under par and Spieth was tied for 25th at 7 under, with Jake Knapp in the lead at 13 under.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational will be played March 6-9.
–Field Level Media
