PGA Tour controversy ignites as star aims cheeky dig at Justin Thomas and Max Homa

Golf star Michael Kim took a playful jab at fellow golfers Justin Thomas and Max Homa in the midst of an ongoing debate over sponsor exemptions, a hot topic leading into the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Japan, which teed off on Thursday.

Joel Dahmen was among those granted a sponsor exemption to compete at the event. However, opinions from professional players on this issue have varied. Kim chimed in on social media, sharing his thoughts: “I can obviously relate to the guys who would love to get some free points and secure their card for next year, but I don’t have much to complain about when it comes to sponsor exemptions. These companies sign an eight-figure check, so they can control four out of the 80 spots.”

Kim added some humor to his post by sarcastically addressing Thomas and Homa: “I’m more annoyed at Max Homa and Justin Thomas. Just stay home and watch the Dodgers and Bama so I can play, goddammit.”

His comments offer a fresh perspective in the ongoing debate about sponsor exemptions, suggesting that players themselves aren’t particularly bothered by the system—perhaps raising the question of whether fans should be concerned either.

On the course, Taylor Moore topped the leaderboard after the first round, holding a one-shot lead over Max Greyserman, Nico Echavarria, and Eric Cole heading into Day Two. However, the biggest surprise of the day came from Open Championship winner Xander Schauffele, who ended the round with a disappointing score of +3.

Reflecting on his round, Schauffele didn’t hold back, calling himself an “idiot” for mishandling a tricky situation. “I should have just taken an unplayable, but I was an idiot and tried to hit it. Then I was stubborn and tried again, before finally taking an unplayable,” he admitted.

When asked if he’d learned a lesson, Schauffele remarked, “I think having false confidence helps at times, but in situations like that, it really doesn’t. I’ll definitely assess things better next time and think about whether I can actually get it out or not.”