PGA Tour golfer Daniel Berger reveals Pebble Beach snub: "Chip on my shoulder"
Daniel Berger says he is excited he got into one of the PGA Tour's signature events 'without anyone's help' after twice being snubbed a spot in the field at Pebble Beach.
PGA Tour golfer Daniel Berger says he's 'excited' he earned his way into a signature event on merit after twice being denied entry into the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am despite being a former champion.
Berger's career has stalled significantly since he played a starring role at the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits owing to a debilitating back injury.
He spent 18 months on the sidelines and considered quitting the game altogether, simply hoping for a better quality of life.
Berger has been slowly getting back to his best since his comeback in January 2024 and he posted his second runner-up finish in five starts last weekend at the WM Phoenix Open.
No pictures on the scorecard @DanielBerger59 remains solo second with 4 holes to play.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 9, 2025
CBS pic.twitter.com/6QNsFbGvJc
Along with $818,000 in prize money, Berger has also nabbed a spot in this week's Genesis Invitational.
Berger did so via the AON Swing 5, which rewards the Tour's top performers in the weeks before a signature event.
The 31-year-old told reporters after a solid showing at TPC Scottsdale that over the past couple of years whilst he has been rebuilding his career he has attempted to get into the signature AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am via an exemption.
But he was denied - twice - despite being a former champion. Berger won the tournament in 2021.
It appears the snub has left a bad taste in his mouth.
"Two years in a row I didn't get that exemption," Berger said. "So it kind of was a little chip on my shoulder to get it done [get into a signature event] without needing anyone's help, so I'm excited to go back."
Joining Berger in the field this week via the AON Swing 5 are Michael Kim, Sam Stevens, J.J. Spaun and Andrew Novak.
Kim is making his signature debut.
Tiger Woods has confirmed he is playing at the 2025 Genesis Invitational.
Woods, 49, will be playing with a heavy heart in his first official start since last July's Open championship.
The 15-time major champion confirmed the death of his mother on 4 February.
Jordan Spieth, Danny List, Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland and Min Woo Lee have received sponsor exemptions into the Genesis Invitational.
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