As it stands, both Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth will not be playing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational as the powers that be at Bay Hill go in another direction.
Fowler and Spieth are two staples of the PGA Tour in the last decade and in terms of recognisable names, remain right up there in terms of being stars in golf.
However, with poor form in recent seasons, both players have been left relying on an exemption invite – barring a win at the Cognizant Classic – to the Arnold Palmer next week.
- READ MORE: What Billy Horschel admitted to Jake Knapp after seeing him shoot 59 at The Cognizant Classic
And while it might well be a wake up call to both Spieth and Fowler to get their games in gear, it’s also another nod to just how different the PGA Tour runs itself compared to LIV Golf.
PGA Tour and LIV Golf differences clear after Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler calls
While it might not be all down to those in charge of the PGA Tour to decide who plays in the signature events, you’d imagine they have a significant say in terms of influence.
However, with both Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler overlooked this year, it shows that the PGA Tour continues to run itself based on merit and in the style of a meritocracy.
In contrast, had either one of Fowler or Spieth been on the LIV Golf circuit, it’s likely they’d have been more than looked after in a similar situation.
Indeed, we see that right now, with players like Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, Dustin Johnson and more arguably well past their best, yet still being promoted as captains of their respective LIV teams and with that, an elevated importance in the game.
Over on the PGA Tour, despite Spieth and Fowler having three majors and 22 wins on the TOUR between them, there’s been no special treatment for the Arnold Palmer.
Instead, both Spieth and Fowler – despite playing well at the Cognizant in round one – have been left out in favour of players like Rafael Campos, who penned an open letter pleading his case for inclusion.
Once again, we see a difference in how the two top tours in the world run their respective ships.
Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth’s records in 2024
To get into the big events on the PGA Tour, you have to be playing well. Unfortunately for Fowler and Spieth, that just hasn’t happened consistently for a while now.
Fowler has struggled to shake of his ‘overrated’ tag for much of his career, while Spieth saw 2024 plagued with injuries.
In terms of their form as a pair over 2024, well, it just wasn’t up to scratch.
| PGA Tour 2024 | Jordan Spieth |
| Events played | 22 |
| Cuts made | 14 |
| Top 10s | 3 |
| Wins | 0 |
| FedEx position | 67th |
| Earnings | $2,732,591 |
The lack of invite to the API might well inspire both players to get back to their best here.
Indeed, you can imagine if either manage to win in Florida this weekend, then they might well have a sly comment or two to make.
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