Honda grants exemption, restores golfer’s dream
Two days after COVID-19 kept Kamaiu Johnson from his dream of playing on the PGA Tour, the Honda Classic stepped forward Thursday to make sure the inspiring Black golfer gets his shot.
Johnson was the top player on the Advocates Pro Golf Association last year, and the Farmers Insurance Open awarded him a sponsor exemption to play alongside some of the best in the world at Torrey Pines.
And then he tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday and had to withdraw. The Honda Classic, to be held March 18-21 in his home state of Florida, offered Johnson an exemption.
“As I said when I first learned that I would be forced to withdraw, a fork in the road often has an interesting way of leading to new opportunities,” Johnson said. “Now, to find out that I will still have a chance to fulfil my dream of playing on the PGA Tour is almost overwhelming.”