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Only partly true. The PGA sets some very exacting standards for those exemptions. No way in hell BofA could have given me and my 14 handicap an exemption, even if I was a favorite former local club pro and current CFO of BofA.

That isn't quite true, along with Babe Zaharius, other's have gotten exemptions that didn't quite fit the bill. From an article on CNN/SI.com:

" Past sponsor exemptions have backfired. In 1992, Kemper Open officials wanted to spice up their event, so they gave one to Washington Redskin quarterback Mark Rypien. Rypien shot 80-91, not only embarrassing himself but the tournament as well. Another "great" sponsor exemption that didn't work happened 13 years ago. Remember Mason Wolf? Probably not. I'm sure there's one tournament he'd like to forget as well. In 1990, Wolf was an assistant pro at the C.C. of South Sapphire Valley. Thanks to one of its members, Jack Mosely, who also happened to be Chairman and CEO of USF&G, Wolf received an exemption into the USF&G Classic in New Orleans. Wolf shot 90-93 to set the highest 36-hole score recorded in the last 30 years on the PGA Tour."

Not that it matters as she is in and playing, but here is the current info on Sponsor exemptions......

12. Sponsor exemptions (a maximum of eight, which may include amateurs with handicaps of 2 or less), on the following basis:

A. Not less than two sponsor invitees shall be PGA TOUR members not otherwise exempt.

B. Not less than two of the top 35 finishers and ties from the last Qualifying Tournament, as well as 2-15 from the 2002 Nationwide Tour money list, if not all of them can otherwise be accommodated. (Note: PGA TOUR members may receive an unlimited number of sponsor invitations. Non-TOUR members may receive a maximum of seven per year).

Sponsor Exemptions