Jordan Spieth ‘bummed’ over Bay Hill snub: ‘I needed to play better injured golf last year, I guess’

Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were informed they would not receive sponsor exemptions into the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Both golfers had a chance to qualify on merit at the Cognizant Classic, with Fowler starting strong but fading on Sunday. Spieth, on the other hand, made a late push with a three-under 68, finishing tied for ninth. However, his performance fell short of earning enough FedEx Cup points to secure a spot through the Aon Swing 5 rankings.

Spieth expressed disappointment over missing the tournament but acknowledged that last season’s struggles, largely due to injury, played a role. Despite feeling he is playing well, he admitted he lacked full control of his game. Arnold Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders, explained that sponsor exemptions favored players performing at the highest level, citing Rafael Campos’ thoughtful letter as an example of dedication beyond just performance. Spieth seemed to take a subtle jab at the selection process, hinting that injured players must perform better to earn recognition.

Looking ahead, Spieth remains optimistic, shifting focus to the upcoming Players Championship and the Valspar Championship in Tampa. While Bay Hill has been a strong venue for him in the past, he acknowledged the consequences of his subpar 2024 season. Determined to bounce back, Spieth believes his game is trending in the right direction, aiming to prove himself on the PGA Tour’s biggest stages in the weeks to come.