A golf legend announces they’re playing in a major tournament, but you notice they haven’t won an event in years and aren’t ranked high enough to qualify. So, how did they get into the field? The answer is often through a special exemption. This article will explain exactly what a special exemption is, why major championships grant them, and which iconic players have famously benefited from this unique entry pass into golf’s most prestigious events.
Think of a special exemption as a golden ticket, a thank-you note from a major championship to a player for their contributions to the sport. It's an invitation to compete in one of the four men’s major tournaments - the Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, or The Open Championship - even if the player has not met any of the standard qualification criteria.
Every major has a long list of ways a player can automatically qualify. These typically include things like:
When a player’s automatic eligibility runs out, their only paths into a major are to play their way in through qualifying tournaments or to be granted a special exemption. This exemption is entirely at the discretion of the committee that runs the major. It’s not something a player can apply for, it's an honor bestowed upon them.
Each of the four men's major championships is run by a different governing body, and each of these bodies has the authority to issue its own special exemptions. They are independent entities and their decisions are not connected.
While the concept is the same across the board, each organization has its own internal philosophy on when - and to whom - they grant these coveted spots.
The primary reason for special exemptions is to honor the game’s living legends. It’s a way for a major championship to acknowledge a player whose career has had a massive impact on the sport. Think of players like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, or Tom Watson. Their presence in a tournament, even past their prime, connects generations of fans and pays respect to the foundations of the modern game.
But there's another, more practical side to it. Big names sell tickets and attract viewers. Having a beloved figure like Phil Mickelson or Tiger Woods in the field, even via an exemption, creates buzz. It drives media coverage, increases television ratings, and ultimately makes the event more commercially successful. It gives fans one more chance to watch their heroes walk the hallowed fairgrounds of Augusta or St Andrews, and that emotional connection has immense value.
The exemption, therefore, serves two purposes: it celebrates history and legacy while also being a very smart business move.
Let's break down how each major approaches these special invitations, as their traditions and tendencies can be quite different.
The USGA, which runs the U.S. Open, is arguably the most public and traditional user of the special exemption. Their selections often generate the most headlines. While there's no official rulebook, the USGA's exemptions are almost always reserved for giants of the game, particularly past U.S. Open champions.
A few legendary examples include:
The USGA's decisions underscore their respect for the tournament's history. They use exemptions to give their decorated champions a proper farewell lap, so to speak.
Technically speaking, The Masters is an invitational tournament, so every player in the field is there by "invitation." However, most of these invitations are sent based on automatic qualifying criteria. What we think of as a "special exemption" at Augusta National is when the committee decides to invite a player who doesn’t meet any of the standard criteria.
Compared to the U.S. Open, Augusta National's exemptions are less about honoring past champions (who already have a lifetime invitation to play) and more about shaping the field for other reasons. Historically, they have used these spots to:
In short, Augusta uses its discretion more quietly and for more varied reasons than just honoring its own legends.
The R&A follows a model similar to the USGA's, reserving its special exemptions mainly for past Open Champions whose eligibility has expired. Their goal is to maintain the link to the championship’s storied past. A great example of this thinking in action was Tom Watson at the 2009 Open Championship.
At 59 years old, Watson was long past his automatic qualification. He electrified the golf world by leading the tournament for 71 holes, holding a one-shot lead on the 18th tee on Sunday. Although he ultimately lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink, his performance was a powerful reminder of why special exemptions exist. It created one of the most memorable storylines in modern golf history, all made possible by The R&A's decision to invite a legend to compete.
As an event run by the PGA of America, a membership organization for club and teaching professionals, the PGA Championship's approach is slightly different. Special exemptions are far less common and don’t generate the same level of discussion as they do for the other majors. The field for the PGA Championship includes 20 spots reserved for top PGA club professionals, which is its own unique form of exemption.
When the PGA of America does grant a special exemption to a touring professional, it's often done quietly and may be for a player who has made significant contributions to the PGA of America organization or the sport, and whose presence would enhance the field.
The practice of handing out special exemptions is not without controversy. The core of the debate is meritocracy versus legacy. On one hand, critics argue that a spot in a major championship field is something that must be earned through current performance. They contend that an aging legend taking a spot, who likely has a very small chance of winning, is denying a place to a younger, hungrier player grinding on the Korn Ferry Tour or other global tours who is in top form.
On the other hand, proponents argue that golf is more than just the pursuit of the lowest score. It's about stories, history, and inspiration. Seeing Jack Nicklaus wave to the crowd on the 18th at Augusta or watching Tom Watson nearly win The Open at 59 creates moments that transcend the leaderboard. These moments enrich the tournament, engage a wider audience, and honor the athletes who built the sport. They argue that one or two spots out of a field of 156 players is a small price to pay for maintaining that rich connection to the game's history.
There's no right or wrong answer, it’s a philosophical difference on what a major championship should represent.
Yes, but they are called something different. On the PGA Tour, tournaments are allowed to give out several "Sponsor Exemptions" into their fields. While the principle is similar - inviting a player who didn't automatically qualify - the purpose is often different.
Sponsor exemptions are often used by tournaments to:
It’s important to distinguish between a major championship’s special exemption (an honor typically tied to a player's historical legacy) and a regular PGA Tour event's sponsor exemption (a strategic tool to improve the tournament’s field or give a young player a shot).
A special exemption in golf is a rare and prestigious invitation for a player to compete in a major championship without otherwise qualifying, typically granted to honor their legendary status and contributions. It’s a bridge between the game's past and present, creating memorable moments for fans while rewarding the icons who shaped the sport.
Understanding these finer points of the professional game can deepen your appreciation for golf’s traditions and rules. If you’re ever curious about complex topics like this, or need a hand navigating your own game - from a tricky shot in the trees to planning your strategy for a new course - our app can help. With Caddie AI, you have a 24/7 golf expert in your pocket, ready to give you clear advice so you can play with more confidence and enjoyment.
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