List of PGA Tour Events Won by Sponsor Exemptions
Every PGA Tour event has a handful of spots in the field that are designated for golfers who didn’t otherwise qualify. These spots, known as sponsor exemptions, are given to various players based on different criteria. While most sponsor exemptions go to past champions and rising stars in the game, sometimes they are given to noteworthy individuals to drive interest in a tournament. Since 1990, there have been 12 golfers who have won a PGA Tour event after receiving a sponsor exemption.
Nick Dunlap – The American Express 2024
Nick Dunlap made history by becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Dunlap emerged victorious at The American Express in 2024 held at PGA West in La Quinta, California. His one-shot victory over Christiaan Bezuidenhout showcased his talent and potential as a rising star in the game.
Martin Laird – Shriners Hospitals for Children Open 2020
Martin Laird’s victory at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in 2020 was a testament to his perseverance. After multiple playoff holes, Laird sealed the win with a remarkable 23-foot putt for birdie. His triumph at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas showcased his skill and determination.
Matthew Wolff – 3M Open 2019
Matthew Wolff, a rookie on the PGA Tour, achieved his first victory at the 3M Open in 2019. His impressive final-round performance, shooting a 6-under 65, secured him a one-stroke win over Collin Morikawa and Bryson DeChambeau. Wolff’s win at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota showcased his potential as a rising star in the game.
Billy Hurley III – Quicken Loans National 2016
In a fairytale story, Billy Hurley III clinched his first PGA Tour win at the 2016 Quicken Loans National. Competing on a sponsor invitation near his hometown, Hurley emerged victorious with a 2-under 69 in the final round at Congressional Country Club. His memorable win celebrated his background as a Navy grad and military man.
Padraig Harrington – Honda Classic 2015
Padraig Harrington’s triumph at the 2015 Honda Classic was both remarkable and unexpected. Ranked 297th in the world and battling the yips in his putting stroke, Harrington made a stunning comeback to win the tournament. Despite trailing by four strokes with just 11 holes to play, Harrington showcased his resilience and emerged victorious.
Lee Westwood – St. Jude Classic 2010
Lee Westwood, known for coming up short in previous tournaments, claimed his second career PGA Tour victory at the St. Jude Classic in 2010. After a playoff against Robert Karlsson, Westwood emerged as the champion. Despite numerous near misses in big tournaments, Westwood’s win showcased his perseverance and talent.
Jason Gore – 84 Lumber Classic 2006
Jason Gore’s victory at the 84 Lumber Classic in 2006 was a significant milestone in his career. With seven wins on the Korn Ferry Tour, Gore showcased his talent and potential. In 2005, he also played in the final group of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, earning him the nickname “Prince of Pinehurst.”
Adam Scott – Deutsche Bank Championship 2003
Adam Scott claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship in 2003. The young Australian golfer demonstrated his exceptional skill and composure, leading by at least three shots throughout a rainy final round. Scott’s victory marked a significant milestone in his professional career.
David Gossett – John Deere Classic 2001
David Gossett, a former standout amateur golfer, claimed his first PGA Tour event victory at the John Deere Classic in 2001. With an impressive performance, Gossett showcased his talent and potential as a professional golfer. His win marked a significant milestone in his career.
Tiger Woods – Las Vegas Invitational 1996
The legendary Tiger Woods secured his first professional win at the Las Vegas Invitational in 1996. In a thrilling playoff against Davis Love III, Woods showcased his exceptional talent and determination. His victory marked the beginning of his illustrious career and established him as a force to be reckoned with.
Vijay Singh – Buick Classic 1993
Vijay Singh, a distinguished golfer, secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Buick Classic in 1993. The win showcased his exceptional skill and talent, and it was just the beginning of a remarkable career. Singh went on to achieve numerous victories worldwide and is regarded as one of golf’s greats.
Phil Mickelson – Northern Telecom Open 1991
Phil Mickelson, a golfing legend, clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the Northern Telecom Open in 1991 while still an amateur at Arizona State. This historic win made Mickelson the last amateur to win a PGA Tour event. Known for his exceptional talent and illustrious career, Mickelson continues to thrive on golf’s grandest stages.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How many PGA Tour events have sponsor exemptions won since 1990?
According to the PGA Tour, since 1990 there have been just 12 golfers to win a tournament after getting a sponsor exemption. There’s been over 1,000 PGA Tour events in that time, proving the long odds a sponsor invite faces.
Who was the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since 1991?
Nick Dunlap held his nerve to become the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in 1991.
Who won the 2019 3M Open as a rookie?
Rookie Matthew Wolff won the inaugural in 2019.
Who won the 2016 Quicken Loans National on a sponsor invitation?
In a year of fairytale first-time winners on the PGA Tour, Billy Hurley III, a Navy grad and military man, winning the 2016 Quicken Loans National on a sponsor invitation not far from where he learned the game has to take the cake.
Who rallied to win the 2015 Honda Classic from four strokes back?
The 2015 Honda Classic was won by Padraig Harrington. He indeed rallied from four strokes back to secure the victory. This marked Harrington’s first PGA Tour win since 2008. The tournament took place at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Who won the St. Jude Classic in 2010 after finishing second in multiple events?
In 2010, Lee Westwood won the St. Jude Classic. Before his victory in that tournament, Westwood had finished second in several events, but he managed to secure the St. Jude Classic title that year. The tournament took place at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.
Who won the 84 Lumber Classic and played in the final group of the U.S. Open in 2005?
In 2005, Jason Gore won the 84 Lumber Classic and played in the final group of the U.S. Open. Jason Gore’s notable performance in the U.S. Open that year garnered attention, as he was a relatively unknown player at the time.
Who claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship in 2003?
In 2003, Adam Scott claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship. The tournament took place at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. Winning the Deutsche Bank Championship marked a significant milestone in Adam Scott’s golf career.
Who secured his first professional win at the Las Vegas Invitational in 1996?
In 1996, Tiger Woods secured his first professional win at the Las Vegas Invitational. This victory marked the beginning of a highly successful career for Tiger Woods, who would go on to become one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport.
Who earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Buick Classic in 1993?
In 1993, Vijay Singh earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Buick Classic. This win marked a significant achievement in Singh’s golf career, and he went on to have a highly successful career, including multiple major championships and numerous PGA Tour victories.
Who was the last amateur to win a PGA Tour event at the Northern Telecom Open in 1991?
The last amateur to win a PGA Tour event was Phil Mickelson at the Northern Telecom Open (now known as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am) in 1991. Mickelson, who was a junior at Arizona State University at the time, secured an impressive victory. His success as an amateur laid the foundation for a remarkable professional career, including multiple major championships and numerous PGA Tour victories.
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