Sponsor exemptions, sometimes creates controversies
“Sponsor exemptions” have always been a controversial topic, when it comes to selecting the players who are actually not suitable to play any specified tournament.
The term itself basically applies in a professional golf tournament field, when a small number of players are to be selected by the title sponsor of the event.
In simple words, the tournament sponsor can name any player to be a part of the show even if he does not meet the qualifying criteria.
It is obvious that the sponsors spend millions of dollars to put their name before the tournament. Therefore, they ask the tournament officials to provide them with exemption slots each year in return for the money they spend.
In major golf championships, the exemption is given on a specific criteria set by the golf committees. The criteria can include a player’s position in the money list, world rankings, number of tournament wins in the current season or any other criteria they
want.
On the other hand, sometimes the exemption is made for the local golf players, a top amateur from a local university or for someone who is attached to the company in regards to sponsorships.
By and large, if a sponsor decides to give an exemption to any XYZ, the tournament officials will have to accept the player in the field in any case.
Here, the question arises, whether the Executives from the sponsor company hold meetings to select the players? That does not sound real at all. It is possible, but not probable.
Usually, the Tournament Director decides which players are to be invited, who can benefit the tournament as well as the sponsor.
Each professional tournament and tour has its own rules and regulations while calling a player to participate in the event.
Most of the times, they abide by the rules set by the organizing committees. However, they sometimes deviate from the main stream and make unusual decisions, creating serious doubts in the minds of people.
Recently, an incident happened during the RBC Canadian Open, which raised eye brows of many golf pros and others that are related to the industry.
The Golf Canada made a great decision of adding Nick Taylor to the event as a sponsor exemption because of his impressive track record in the 2012 Canadian Tour.
A few hours later, another announcement came confirming Christopher Ross’ addition to the tournament as the second exemption. It was shocking news for many pros who were waiting for their name to be called for the local event.
The selection was not based on any criteria as such. In fact, it was his father, Stephen Ross, former long-time Executive Director of the RCGA, who made it possible for his son to be included in the prestigious PGA Tour field.
There is not any doubt that Christopher is a promising player and played well during his amateur career. However, there were many other options available that were rejected during the whole process.
There are a total of 34 Canadian players who are listed in the Official World Golf Rankings and Christopher is not a one of them.
Therefore, he bypassed a huge list of talented players who deserved a place in the tournament more than him.
Derek Gillespie was the highest ranked player in the Canadian Tour money list who did not qualify this year. He could have been the best option for the sponsors to include in the field.
Such type of decisions can definitely spoil the image of the tournament and its credibility.
The tournament officials and the sponsors should always keep the bigger picture in mind, rather than just coming under the influence of some strong personalities. Otherwise, it will leave severely negative effects on the sport.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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