Going back to Tiger,
I don't think anyone didn't want to see him play at Augusta, just to see if he could do it. But to my knowledge its a you either qualify or you don't situation, there is no waiting list, so he wasn't taking anyone's spot.
But given the PGA has alternates, who knows if the next first time major player could have stepped up and done something like the current leader.
Tiger wasn't "taking anyone's spot"
If he had withdrawn, someone would've taken HIS spot.
Who would the PGA of America and the fans rather see play?
He made the cut, shot 69 on a hard course.
he's earned the right to get in his "reps' in majors, to prepare himself for future majors.
Baby steps-literally.
You think an alternate steps in and makes the cut?
(actually pretty sure one just did
)
Then there's John Daly, who DID win as an alternate....
Speaking of which, why have you not shone the lens on his freak show. Taking a cart AND a spot(by your definition)
If the PGA had any balls, they would deny his cart.
Talk about self inflicted.
Daly hasn't made a PGA cut in 10 years, and Tiger just made the cut-this year remember? Beating world #1 and DJ amongst others.