Chris DiMarco Accepts Exemption to Play in HP Byron Nelson Championship

Irving, Texas, Feb. 15, 2010 – Chris DiMarco has officially accepted an exemption to play in the 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship.

DiMarco will be looking to claim his fourth PGA TOUR victory, but he is perhaps best known for his near wins in three different major championships: the 2004 PGA Championship, where he finished T2 in a three-way playoff with Vijay Singh and Justin Leonard; the 2005 Masters, where he finished runner-up to Tiger Woods in another playoff; and the 2006 British Open, where he finished two strokes behind Woods. Prior to a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery, DiMarco climbed as high as #7 in the World Golf Rankings in 2005. DiMarco’s best 2010 finish is T48 at the Bob Hope Classic, and he is ranked No. 1 in Driving Accuracy Percentage.

“Chris is an incredible competitor and a favorite with our fans,” said George Conant, tournament chairman for the 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship. “We have been following his recovery from surgery and look forward to seeing him return to his old form.”

DiMarco will be making his 12th appearance at the HP Byron Nelson Championship where his best finish was a T3 in 1999.

DiMarco is the founder of The Norma DiMarco Tee Up For Life Tournament, named after his mother, who died of a heart attack. The tournament has raised more than $4 million for children with cancer.

The 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 17-23 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort and Club Las Colinas in Irving.