The organizers of the Arnold Palmer Invitational pulled a surprise by denying sponsor exemptions to PGA Tour fan favorites Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth.

Tournament director Drew Donovan declined to name any of the four sponsor invites or to divulge the selection committee’s criteria.

Both Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth failed to earn themselves a spot to compete at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill next week, and Tiger Woods will also be absent

Sam Saunders, the grandson of Arnold Palmer, told Golfweek on Thursday that despite their popularity, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth would not receive exemptions into the field for the Arnold Palmer Invitational next month.

Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, arguably two of the bigger draws in golf, have been informed they will not be receiving sponsor exemptions into next week's signature event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill,

Arnold Palmer's grandson Sam Saunders has confirmed that Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth have both missed out on exemptions for Bay Hill this year