PGA to allow "Family Crisis" Exemptions

The PGA TOUR has approved a new regulation that offers medical extensions to players who deal with a family crisis, a decision that will help David Duval and Dudley Hart next year. Duval used a one-time exemption as top 25 on the career money list to keep his card this year, but it looked as though it might go to waste when his wife was put on bed rest in February because of complications with her pregnancy. Duval felt his responsibility was at home to care for his wife and four children, and he did not play for more than seven months.

Hart withdrew from the Wachovia Championship in May when his wife became seriously ill, and he stayed home with their 5-year-old triplets as his wife recovered. She is doing better, but Hart has not played since late April.

Since the PGA has worried that this would open up a ton of more "exception" request, they have now created a "family crisis" exemption. "Family crisis" is now defined as being part of the medical extension regulations, and both Duval and Hart will be eligible.

"He's treated as if he had a back injury," said Andy Pazder, the TOUR's vice president of competition. "It's got to be a serious family crisis," he said. "It's a hardship caused by the illness of immediate family."

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PGA to allow "Family Crisis" Exemptions

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