Palmer Invitational and Memorial To Get Enhanced Status

The Arnold Palmer Invitational and Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial tournament will get “enhanced status” on the PGA TOUR next year. Winners of those events will receive three year Tour card exemptions—one more than with a “regular” event. This puts the two tournaments on a par with WGC events and the TOUR Championship. Winners of Majors receive five year exemptions.

This essentially creates four tiers of TOUR events: Majors, WGC/TOUR Championship, Enhanced Events and Regular Events.

The TOUR evidently is looking for ways to honor its two biggest stars (historically speaking), and to make sure that their signature events remain relevant

I personally would like to see the same honors extended to the Byron Nelson.

I also see a future problem, as sponsors of “regular” events, not wanting to be in fourth tier, start demanding their own distinctions.