Spieth 'surprised' by Tiger's absence, Day lobbies for exemption

AKRON, Ohio – In pictures around Firestone Country Club and on the list of recent tournament champions, it’s hard to miss Tiger Woods at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Except, that’s the only place you’ll see him this week. Despite winning the tournament eight times between 2000-2013, Woods did not qualify this year and will miss the event for just the second time since 1997.

According to world No. 2 Jordan Spieth, Woods’ absence stands out given his track record in Akron.

“I’m surprised, given WGC has more impact on world ranking, has more impact on FedEx Cup, has more impact in general, that there isn’t some form of a category like there is for majors,” Spieth said. “Not even just that…