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

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.

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

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,