Jordan Spieth is hardly the hottest property in golf anymore and the latest announcement from the PGA Tour surrounding the American has rubbed plenty up the wrong way.
Spieth returned from injury at the AT&T Pro-Am but struggled along as he came home in a tie for 69th after shooting even par for the week – although he did card a nice five under in his final round.
Still, the three-time major winner looks a long way from what he used to be and going into 2025, he’s hardly the pick of many to be a big winner once more.
Spieth hasn’t won on the PGA Tour since 2022 and along with good friend Justin Thomas, he’s never quite hit the heights he threatened to earlier on in his career.
Still, the PGA Tour must still regard Spieth as a big name and he’s now received a ‘special exemption’ to play in the upcoming Genesis Invitational in two weeks’ time.
However, while adding Spieth to the field might be the choice of PGA Tour big-wigs, it’s safe to say the decision has not gone down well with golf fans.
Golf fans slam PGA Tour as Jordan Spieth gets invited to the Genesis Invitational
With the tournament hosted by Tiger Woods, the Genesis is often one of the events many look out for on the PGA Tour calendar.
However, after being injured and not producing good form for a long time, Spieth’s invite has been met with anger and ridicule from many online.
Indeed, Fried Egg golf’s Joe LaMagna labelled the decision a ‘farce’.
While another fan took aim at the ‘meritocracy’ involved on the PGA Tour that allows for Spieth to get his invite.
“Meritocracy, but don’t worry sponsors will bail out your poor play”
Carrying on the outcry, another fan suggested the invite go to a player who may need it more.
“Why?? Why not give exemption to someone who might «need» it more than him and Rose? As a Norwegian I think it would give Kris Ventura a boost with an exemption. He just got 4th place at Torrey Pines.”
While another slammed the decision to pick Spieth, and also called into the question the inclusion of Justin Rose.
“Don’t play good enough to be in the field but your name is Spieth and Rose so here is an invite anyway. Enjoy your guaranteed check while guys that just got their cards by actually playing well sit at home.. grow the game though.. right?”
Looking at the bigger picture, another X user suggested Spieth would lose his card without being given such chances.
“Haves vs have nots. Spieth loses his card this year without free points in elevated events.”
Finally, another compared him to PGA member Webb Simpson, in a nod towards Simpson getting similar treatment over the years.
“Our glorious king is the new Webb Simpson”
Jordan Spieth needs to start producing results
With Spieth back playing, he will be hoping to get some form and quickly and show that he deserves these sorts of chance.
In fairness to him, he is a multiple time major winner and remains a big name in general. However, based purely on results, this one does sit a bit funny and Spieth needs to get back to competing or risk further backlash.
Clearly, given his history, Spieth is a player who can win on the big stage. But approaching three years without a PGA Tour win leaves room for others to take his place and if he’s not careful, that’s what will happen.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
