Masters De-Hootification Continues...*

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...first it was Arnold Palmer restoring the honorary starter tradition, now Billy Payne and friends are restoring the sorely missed exemption for winners of PGA Tour events. Shoot, maybe the rough and trees will go!

I'm waiting for a news story Larry Fine reports. In the meantime, Tim Finchem had a statement ready to go and is understandably pleased for his players, including the top 30 money exemption that might add some fun to the fall finish.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2007

STATEMENT FROM PGA TOUR COMMISSIONER TIM FINCHEM


The PGA TOUR is delighted with today’s announcement of the revised eligibility qualifications for the Masters Tournament. A restoration of the historic linkage between winning a TOUR event and gaining access to the Masters will be enthusiastically greeted by players and fans alike. We also appreciate that today’s changes provide access to players who compete in the TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola by virtue of their finish in the top 30 in FedExCup points. Also, the access granted to players who are ranked among the top 30 in our season-ending Official PGA TOUR Money List provides added meaning to the TOUR’s Fall Series events.

We applaud Billy Payne and the Masters Tournament for these changes, and the PGA TOUR looks forward to the implementation of these new qualifications in 2008 and beyond.