On most days, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth are fan favorites. Their affable demeanor, suave personality, and past exploits as up-and-coming stars have left a lasting impact on fans. So, when it comes to Spieth and Fowler, fans mostly speak in positive terms. 

Except for a few days. 

When these two get sponsor exemptions. Then, fans love these two PGA Tour pros with a combined 19 wins a little less. Or, maybe a lot less. Fowler and Spieth both have received multiple sponsor exemptions–the former five, and the latter four. Now they have another one. The Memorial, the penultimate signature event of the calendar year, has extended an invitation to both Fowler and Spieth.

In signature events, the top-50 from last year’s FedEx Cup standings, top-30 in the current OWGR table, current year’s tournament winners, top-ten in this year’s FedEx Cup standings, and top-five point earners in signature events are allowed. 

None of these two fulfilled that criterion. Fowler is currently 99th in the FedEx Cup standings and 108th in the OWGR table. Whereas, Spieth is 49th in the FedEx Cup standings and 51st in OWGR. Fowler has four and Spieth has three top tens at Muirfield, but both missed the cut last season.

Both are currently teeing off at the Charles Schwab Challenge. Jordan Spieth opened with a 1-under 69, carding two bogeys and three birdies. He is now tied at T35. Whereas Fowler made even-par 70 to tie for T57, succumbing to two late bogeys on par-4 14th and 15th.

So, fans expected that these special spots at flagship $20 M-purse signature events would be reserved for some up-and-coming stars. When that didn’t happen (again), they didn’t hold back from venting their frustration.

Fans don’t see the rationale behind inviting Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth

Blasphemous. Unjustified. Undeserving. That’s how fans feel about the exemptions. While Spieth was somewhat spared–he has three top-tens this year–Fowler wasn’t. “Blasphemous that Rickie keeps getting into these things with a free pass,” commented one user. “#1 Player in the world for play exemptions!,” another user sarcastically wrote. A third joined: “Doesn’t deserve it. So stupid.”

Fowler has yet to net a top-ten finish this season. His best finish has been a T15 at the Truist Championship, the last signature event, where he entered via… yes, you guessed it right, sponsor exemption. Rickie Fowler once again got a special invite at the PGA Championship, where he missed the cut. 

As did Jordan Spieth, throwing his fans into another year of anxious waiting before resuming the Grand Slam chatter. “If we are being honest: neither Rickie nor Jordan are ready,” one fan commented. Another one wrote, “Needs to start playing better to justify these lol.”

Notably, Fowler has refused to fan the flames of controversy when asked about the sponsor exemptions. Instead, the six-time PGA Tour winner said during the Truist Championship: “A number of exemptions this year, which I’m very, very happy for and appreciate it from the sponsors and the tournament directors.”

Clearly, fans don’t share the same sentiment. And this is not the first time exemptions into signature events have been a bone of contention. Last year, Webb Simpson’s entry via the backdoor to lucrative $20M purse events raised eyebrows among fans and even fellow players. This time, it’s Fowler and Spieth who are in the crosshairs with the fans. 

The Memorial, a signature event hosted by Jack Nicklaus, will start on May 29. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.