Tiger Woods’ special exemption, which will take effect in 2025, will give him entry to the eight signature events on the PGA Tour schedule

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan explained why it made sense to change its rules for Tiger Woods (Image: No credit)

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has explained that Tiger Woods has been granted a lifetime exemption to all Signature Events because the 15-time major champion enhances events by making them ‘bigger’ and ‘better’.

The exemption for Woods, which will start in 2025, ensures the golf legend’s entry into the eight signature events. This is due to the PGA Tour introducing a new ‘Lifetime Achievement exemption category’, specifically designed to guarantee the 48 year old’s participation, considering his reduced schedule at this point in his career.

The signature events, known for their substantial prize money and smaller fields, have recently become a hot topic in the first implementation of the PGA Tour’s new schedule. There has been much debate about which players are permitted to participate in these top-tier tournaments.

Although tournament sponsors are allowed four exemptions to distribute to specific PGA Tour members, these passes usually go to a recurring roster of players. However, Monahan wanted to ensure that Woods, who has confirmed his final appearance of 2024 will be at Royal Troon in next month’s Open, was present at any significant tournament due to his importance to the sport and immense popularity.

“Well, listen, I think it was important to our membership, it’s something we talked about with the PAC, it was important to our player directors, it was important to our board, it’s important to me because, you know, 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,” Monahan elaborated. “Any event he’s ever played in he’s made it bigger, he’s made it better, he’s drawn more eyeballs to it, and I think just as an organization we wanted to celebrate his exceptionalism in that manner.”, reports the Mirror.

This special provision for Woods is among many changes soon to grace the PGA Tour timetable following this week’s Travelers Championship, the season’s culminating signature event. However, the decision to ensure Woods’ participation whenever possible likely leaves little room for argument.

Tiger Woods will be eligible to play each of the eight PGA Tour signature events from 2025 ( Image: Getty Images)
Few can match or emulate the record-breaking accomplishments of Woods throughout his distinguished career. Alongside his 15 major trophies, second only to Jack Nicklaus, Woods boasts 82 career PGA Tour victories and has raked in over $120 million on the course, feats the Policy Board wishes to commemorate and acknowledge.

Due to his recent subpar performances, Woods has had to utilize one of the four exemptions given to sponsors. However, this will now allow sponsors to recognize other stars and expand the field.

The PGA Tour also greenlit a proposal ensuring each Signature Event has at least 72 participants. This implies that from next season, exemptions will be more sought after, making Woods’ lifetime agreement even more logical – although it remains uncertain how many signature events he will participate in outside of the four majors.