Tiger Woods’ decision not to play in the Arnold Palmer invitational has proven that he is a man of his word.

Woods, 49, recently chose not to compete in the PGA Tour event, despite being granted an automatic entry into the Signature Event – and many other PGA competitions – until he turns 60 years old. The special exemption began in 2025 and granted him the opportunity to compete in the PGA’s Signature Events, without needing to qualify.

Tiger Woods speaks to the crowd during the trophy ceremony after the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California

Despite the honor, Woods has previously said he would not enact it if he felt he would be depriving a significantly lower ranked player from competing in the events. Considering Woods’ recent decision to not compete in the Arnold Palmer, it’s evident that he is a man of his word as he showed his class.

Before the 2024 British Open, shortly after the ‘Tiger Rule’ was announced, Woods said: “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.”

Initially, the exemption’s announcement was greeted with some opposition, as the likes of Colin Montgomerie instead insisted Woods should retire. The latter responded by saying: “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.”

Tiger Woods of the United States proudly holds the trophy the win meant he re-gained the World’s number one position after the final round of the 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard at Bay Hill Golf and Country Club on March 25, 2013 in Orlando, Florida© Getty Images

It’s understood that Woods’ decision not to participate is also down to his injury and health concerns. He continues to struggle with back problems, despite undergoing four different surgeries to address his issues.

Moreover, he also continues to suffer with issues caused to his right leg and ankle by the horrific car crash he endured in 2021. Nevertheless, if Woods wanted to hobble round the course and compete, he would rake in at least $52,000 – the prize which goes to the player who finished in 50th place.

Woods was initially expected to compete in the Invitational as well as the Genesis Invitational. He withdrew from the latter after his mother, Kultida, passed away.

Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club reacts to a shot on the seventh hole during their TGL presented by SoFi match against New York Golf Club at SoFi Center on February 18, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida© TGL Golf via Getty Images

The winner at Bay Hill will scoop up a $4 million prize. As well as Woods, former Ryder Cup team-mates Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth were also absent from the Entry List.

The duo were invited to compete at this month’s Genesis, but were not given an invite to Bay Hill. Explaining the decision, the grandson of Arnold Palmer, Sam Saunders – who is responsible for extending invites – said: “Honestly, I think there was a lot of thought put into each and every player that was selected.

“At the end of the day, it’s who’s getting the ball in the hole the fastest that are the ones who get the opportunities. You can’t make everybody happy with exemptions. So you try to just do it as fair and balanced as possible.”