Tiger says he won’t take another players spot at signature PGA Tour events

Tiger Woods speaking to the media at Royal Troon in advance of the 2024 British Open

Tiger Woods was granted a lifetime exemption into signature PGA Tour events recently, but he’s now revealed he won’t take the place of anyone who has qualified to be there.

Speaking to the media ahead of the 2024 British Open at Royal Troon, Tiger Woods was asked about his recent exemption, dubbed the ‘Tiger Rule’, meaning he can play in signature PGA Tour events for life.

When asked if he felt like he’d be in a position to play more of those events over the next few years, Woods replied; “I told them, if I was going to get that exemption, I wasn’t going to take away the last player’s spot. If it happened to be – let’s hypothetically say there’s 72 players in the field at each one of the Signature Events. If I want to play, I’ll be the 73rd player. There will be an odd man and be a twosome out.”

If he can be included in the field somehow, then that would be great, but Woods isn’t prepared to take the spot of another player who has qualified on their own merit, to make an appearance at any of the signature events.

Woods was also asked about the recent comments from Colin Montgomerie, who openly said he should retire.

“Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.”

About the author

Sarah Pyett – Deputy Digital Editor

Sarah Pyett is the Deputy Digital Editor of todays-golfer.com. She specializes in ladies’ equipment reviews, including drivers, irons, and golf balls.

After a career in a golf professional shop, and earning a qualification in golf club management, Sarah joined Bauer in 2014 as a Web Producer for Today’s Golfer. She has since worked across multiple brands in a mixture of digital marketing and paid media roles, before returning to focus on golf full-time as Deputy Digital Editor in 2024.