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Not news to WorldGolf.com readers that honest Phil Mickelson going FedEx Cup skipping, a la Tiger

Tuesday September 4, 2007 | 15:56:01 298 words, 3644 views
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WorldGolf.com first reported that Phil Mickelson would probably skip one of the next two FedEx Cup tournaments back on Aug. 22 from The Barclays. So Mickelson’s confirmation today that he is opting out of this week’s third playoff leg in Chicago is no great revelation.

Still, it shows again why PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem needs to adopt a If You Miss A Playoff Tournament, You’re Eliminated From the Playoffs rule. Mickelson’s Cog Hill skip ensures that in three weeks of FedEx Cup tournaments - three weeks in the first FedEx Cup tournament when the curiosity factor alone drives up interest - the Top 20 players in golf will not have all been in even one field.

Tiger Woods missed The Barclays of course, causing plenty of New York disgust. Ernie Els flew right over Boston, while stealing Mickelson’s favorite excuse - taking the kids to school. (If I’m Ernie I’m a little disturbed that no one seemed to care about my skip). And now Mickelson says no thanks to Chi town which everyone will notice after he beat Tiger.

That’s 0 for 3 for Finchem’s new playoff baby.

The only time everyone might be going against each is in Atlanta at the Tour Championship, which probably would have happened without the Cup anyways.

At least, Mickelson is being honest about why he’s skipping. He’s upset that Finchem hasn’t listened to his Cup suggestions. Is it a little babyish? Sure. But that’s the exact same reason Tiger skipped too. The world’s greatest golfer was pulling a power play on Finchem as sure as Mickelson. You can be sure Finchem knew that. But Tiger hid behind that weak “fatigue” excuse for public relations sake.

Mickelson came out and told everyone. Advantage honesty. Advantage Phil.

Two in the same week over Tiger? Phil’s on a roll.

Comments:

Comment from: CB MAXWELL [Member] Email
Sorry Chris, but your point that the PGA should FORCE players to "play" in the "Playoffs" is a joke.

First, the players are independent contractors. Second, Finchem has no leverage nor does the Tour over players of Tiger and Phil's caliber. Third, what is the point, force these guys to play golf, when they have enough points to compete anyway? Oh, in a previous post, you used "anyways" which is always incorrect, but that is for your English teacher to correct.

The point is; these are a contrived playoff, there is no golf playoff.

Tiger has won 5 times on Tour this year and is the outright winner of Player of the Year. He has made the most CASH, annuity be damned. An annuity only means that Fedex has to put up a bit of cash in an interest building account and voila, $10 Million. It sounds good in a commercial, but it sure ain't cash.

Ernie, Padrick, Tiger, and others have all taken a pass on one or the other which tells us all we need to know about the Fedex Cup as to its value as a new "championship." It isn't that important. I am sure the players are all much more interested in the cash payout than the "points" which Jack himself says, "I don't understand."

So, for you to become the water carrier for Tim Finchem, the fourth highest paid player on Tour who never has to make a putt is just plain ridiculous.

And to make the point, that your readers, or the readers of the blogs at this wonderful site have an edge...please, this in not exactly the National Enquirer. 1000 views is not exactly news making. Geez, you remind me of the story of the flea floating down the river with a "you know" and says, "RAISE THE DRAW BRIDGE!"
Permalink 2007-09-04 @ 23:40
Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] Email · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
Wait, is "you know" a boner?
Permalink 2007-09-05 @ 00:53
Comment from: Merrin [Visitor] Email
you cant compare tiger missing the 1st event to Phil basically holding the event hostage until he gets his way.

What kind of power play did Tiger pull when he admitted it was just the 1 event he'd be missing? a la a first round bye.

Sounds like the Media giving good ole boy Phil the Philly Mick treatment, but Tiger's supposed to be perfect all the time and do everything for the good of the pga.
Permalink 2007-09-05 @ 11:27
Comment from: 2under [Visitor] Email
I don't believe it is necessary to force a player to compete. If he wants to put himself in a position of disadvantage, then he can choose to skip an event. I think the non-participation of Woods in the first event added to the drama, because he isn't a lock. It was heightened by Phil's win and his announcement that he will skip Cog Hill.

Ernie quit b/c he knew his game was not good enough to win. So he folded up his tent and went home. I think that's great.

CB - I completely disagree with your assessment of $10 million. First of all, it isn't just a "bit" of cash. You may need to brush up on the principle of compounding interest.

Jack doesn't understand because Jack doesn't play anymore. If he was playing, sure as hell, he'd understand it.


Permalink 2007-09-05 @ 19:38

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