PGA Tour star Michael Kim stirred the pot ahead of the Zozo Championship, taking a jab at fellow pros Justin Thomas and Max Homa in the heated debate over sponsorship exemptions. With players on the bubble for the PGA Tour’s top 125 scrambling for points, the exemption issue has sparked frustration among those fighting to secure their spot for the 2025 season.
Kim, known for his candid social media presence, didn’t hold back, humorously criticizing Thomas and Homa. In a post, he quipped, “I’m more annoyed at Max Homa and Justin Thomas. Just stay home and watch the Dodgers and Bama so I can play, goddammit.” The comment was Kim’s lighthearted way of addressing frustrations among fringe players who argue that high-profile exemptions can distort competition, allowing some stars to collect easy points.
He expanded on the controversy, noting that while he sympathizes with players battling for ranking, he accepts that sponsorships play a major role in the sport. “These companies sign an eight-figure cheque,” Kim stated. “They can have four out of 80 spots to control. If I had played a little better earlier in the year, I would have been in the tournament.”
As the Zozo Championship kicked off at Japan’s Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, the opening round showed early contenders. Taylor Moore led by one stroke, closely followed by Max Greyserman, Nico Echavarria, and Eric Cole. But the biggest shock came from Open Championship winner Xander Schauffele, who had a tough round, ending at three-over and calling himself an “idiot” for poor shot choices. Reflecting on a rough attempt to salvage his round, Schauffele admitted, “I should have just taken an unplayable…but I was stubborn.”
With the debate over sponsorship exemptions likely to persist, Kim’s words have brought new insight into the complex dynamics between fan-favorite stars and players on the edge. As exemption privileges raise questions about fair play, the Tour’s stars are expected to grapple with the balance of commercial appeal and competition integrity.
Will the PGA adjust its stance to support emerging players, or will stars continue to receive a leg up on points? For fans and players alike, the exemption debate is far from over.
