PGA Tour pro blasts inclusion of Adam Scott and Webb Simpson in API field

PGA Tour pro Dylan Wu has questioned the decision to offer a player directors Adam Scott and Webb Simpson sponsor exemptions into the forthcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

The annual event at Bay Hill has been given signature status for the 2024 season, meaning a bumper prize purse of $20m. 

Overall, there are eight signature events on the PGA Tour this season. 

The lucrative events were created by the established Tour in response to LIV Golf in a bid to prevent more defections.  

Understandably, every PGA Tour member wants to play in them given the cash on offer but gaining access to them is difficult. 

The top 50 from the prior season's FedEx Cup points list are guaranteed starts. 

Other initiatives, such as the AON Swing 5 also awards entry to the 'trending players'. 

Of course, the tournament sponsors also have the right to invite who they want. 

Player director Peter Malnati came under fire after he accepted an invite to play at the signature AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. 

For his part, Malnati defended himself against the criticism given it's an event he has typically always supported. 

The aforementioned Wu has become the latest PGA Tour member to appear to be a little bit frustrated with the situation. 

Wu took to X to explain the decision to offer Simpson and Scott places into Bay Hill 'seems suspect'. 

"Great players and major champions," he wrote of Scott and Simpson.  

"I can't say much because I missed the cut hard this week but getting more than one sponsor exemption into elevated events doesn't seem fair.

"Seems like if you're a player director, you'll get an invite into an elevated event. Seems suspect….."

Great players and major champions. I can’t say much because I missed the cut hard this week but getting more than one sponsor exemption into elevated events doesn’t seem fair. Seems like if you’re a player director, you’ll get an invite into an elevated event. Seems suspect….. https://t.co/qQYGIBMoNj

— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) March 2, 2024

Wu later added: "They're both great players that probably deserve it but this new model is all about meritocracy.

"Sponsor exemptions going to the same players every elevated event doesn't seem to follow the 'play better' saying.

"Seems like 'be more famous' or 'know the right people.'" 

Shane Lowry and Nicolai Hojgaard were the two other players to be offered spots at Bay Hill. 

Will Zalatoris, Maverick McNealy and Tiger Woods are the only three other players to be offered exemptions into the signature events this year. 

What events have been given signature status?

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