Hayes accepts exemption into HP Byron Nelson

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Irving, TEXAS -- J.P. Hayes has accepted one of the Championship's sponsor exemptions to play in the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship.

Hayes

Hayes made headlines recently when he disqualified himself at a PGA TOUR qualifying tournament for playing a non-conforming golf ball.

"J.P. Hayes displayed the kind of integrity and sportsmanship that our tournament namesake, Byron Nelson, was known for," said Charley Spradley, 2009 tournament chairman. "We're pleased to have him in our field. J.P. has always supported our event, and we're happy now to support him. He would have been a strong contender for one of our exemptions anyway, based on his play and his commitment to our event, but the strong character he exhibited during Q-School made the decision easy for us."

Hayes has two career victories on the PGA TOUR, including the 2002 John Deere Classic and the 1998 Buick Classic. He has made 10 Nelson appearances, and his best Championship finish was T18 in 2005.

The 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 18-24 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. For details, visit hpbnc.org.