LPGA waives age limit for Pressel

Daytona Beach:

The LPGA Tour has made an exception for 17-year-old Morgan Pressel, accepting her as a member instead of making her wait until she turns 18. Pressel can now play wherever she is eligible, and have her earnings count on the money list and toward the LPGA Tour's new playoff system that splits the year in two parts. "This is good news," said her grandfather Herb Krickstein. "We've very happy about it". Great going In June, former commissioner Ty Votaw had rejected Pressel's petition in that she be allowed to join the LPGA Tour, if she qualifies, before turning 18. A week later, she was runner-up at the US Women's Open after Birdie Kim holed an improbable bunker shot on the final hole. Pressel went on to dominate the field in winning the US Women's Amateur. She made the cut in all seven LPGA events she played last year, and easily earned her card at LPGA Tour qualifying school two weeks ago. She asked the LPGA to reconsider the day after Q-school. Young talent "Morgan is an exceptionally talented young player who will be a terrific addition to the 2006 LPGA Tour," commissioner Carolyn Bivens said. "She presents a unique combination of academic and golf achievements, and I am impressed with her abilities". Pressel is not likely to play more than a half-dozen times before she graduates because of demands at school. She has already received a sponsor's exemption to the Safeway International in Arizona. (AP)