My player is an up-and-coming name on the PGA Tour. What he has done so far has justified the hype. Yet, at an alternate event—one with names you’ve hardly heard of that should roll out the red carpet for my guy—he was turned down for a sponsor’s exemption. He was surprised—and pissed. I was upset, too, but not surprised. I knew the fix was in.

Sponsors’ exemptions are some of the most politically biased aspects of professional golf. The problems run deep. Let me explain.

—Undercover Caddie