PGA Tour fans react to shock Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth news

PGA Tour fans are in shock after learning both Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler have not been granted exemptions into next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational from 6-9 March. 

Tournament sponsor invites for the $20m Arnold Palmer Invitational at famed Bay Hill have instead been handed to Rafa Campos, Mackenzie Hughes, Min Woo Lee and Justin Rose. 

It is understood Campos wrote a letter to the tournament committee building his case to play in the event, and Arnold Palmer's grandson Sam Saunders was reportedly so impressed with Campos' writing that he was handed one of the four invites. 

The news will come as a huge blow to Fowler and his most ardent fans given this tournament has always sat at the top of his PGA Tour schedule.

Fowler shared a close bond with late great Palmer, and even his equipment sponsor Cobra Puma Golf annually launches limited edition releases in partnership with the tournament and in honour of the legendary seven-time major champion. 

Although Fowler and Spieth haven't exactly been enjoying their greatest spells of late, they are still considered two of the most popular players in the sport. They draw eyeballs to the PGA Tour and also take crowds with them. 

And in a time and age where PGA Tour viewing figures are dwindling on a weekly basis, PGA Tour fans cannot understand the circuit's decision to hand players such as Campos and Hughes with exemptions over Spieth and Fowler. 

A flurry of PGA Tour fans have rushed to X / Twitter and vented frustration into their keypads.

"PGA Tour is clown show that never ends," commented one irritated PGA Tour fan. "Imagine not giving exceptions to two of the most popular guys on Tour."

"Well there went about half of your TV audience," tweeted a Fowler and Spieth fan. 

Another commented: "Rafa Campos and Mackenzie Hughes is just a bit odd to me. TGL members keep stacking up the sponsor exemptions."

"Very bad move, Jordan and Rickie have cred," wrote another. "Who the hell wants to see Rafa Campos?" 

One PGA Tour fan tweeted: "Doesn’t make sense. This is still a TV product. Why leave out stars that people want to see?"

"The PGA Tour has lost its mind," wrote another. "Do they care about ratings or profits? There is a balance between a meritocracy and common sense business."

The iconic Arnold Palmer Invitational at famed Bay Hill marks the fourth of eight signature events of the PGA Tour season

It comes with another giant $20m total prize purse with $4m going to the winner.

Runaway World No.1 Scottie Scheffler is back to defend his title having won by five shots in 2024.

GolfMagic has had it confirmed today that World No.2 Xander Schauffele will make his competitive return to action at the API. 

Schauffele's manager spoke exclusively to GolfMagic to provide an injury update on the two-time major champion - READ HERE

World No.3 Rory McIlroy is also in the field as he looks to win a second title at Bay Hill having won here in 2018.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of three signature events (Genesis Invitational, Memorial Tournament) that implements a cut to the top 50 and ties as well as anyone within 10 shots of the lead through 36 holes.

Tiger Woods is not in the field.

Woods is expected to make a return to competitive action for the first time since The Open last July at The Masters in April. 

Here's a look at the full API field: 

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