LPGA Tour allows Pressel to join at age 17

The LPGA Tour made an exception Monday for 17-year-old Morgan Pressel, accepting her as a member instead of making her wait until she turns 18 three months after the season begins.

The decision means that Pressel, a senior honor student at St. Andrews School in Boca Raton, Fla., can 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.

Former commissioner Ty Votaw rejected Pressel's petition in June that she be allowed to join the LPGA Tour, if she qualifies, before turning 18. A week later, Pressel was runner-up at the U.S. Women's Open.

She easily earned her card at LPGA Tour qualifying school two weeks ago.