The top 25 in earnings are given PGA memberships for the following season. Additionally, any player who wins three Nationwide tournaments in one season is promoted to the PGA tour for the remainder of the season. However, if that player is not in the top 25 in earnings at the end of the season they must go to qualifying school to earn a spot on the PGA Tour for the following season.
His career earnings are $30,116,567 on the PGA Tour. As of 3rd August 2009.
Jack Nicklaus
Yes they can.
When a sponsor of a PGA tournament pays the entry fee for a player
Tiger Woods
Yes you can.
Vijay Singh
None at all.
Tiger Woods.
Per PGA website, David Duvalhas career earnings: David Duval $17,482,289 Currently ranked 36 all time, that includes 2009 US Open.
89, Ralph Johnston - 1972