The Deutsche Bank Championship was a classic – riveting golf, for which we owe a thanks to the FedEx Cup format. However, there is still considerable doubt as to exactly how popular it is among golf fans, much less PGA Tour pros themselves.
For your consideration, here are the comments of Deutsche Bank champ and current FedEx point leader Phil Mickelson immediately after his win:
“My frustration from this past year came from asking for a couple of things in the FedEx Cup that weren’t done, and not feeling all that bad now if I happen to miss.”
Wow. Talk about a clanking endorsement of the cup and Finchem’s leadership. Mickelson went on to say that there are some things at home he should be there for in the coming weeks – his oldest daughter’s first day of school and first soccer games included.
As a father myself, I find these events reasonable excuses for skipping the rest of the “playoffs.” Of course I personally wouldn’t give up the chance at a $10 million retirement annuity. (Hell, I don’t pass up lost pennies on the sidewalk.) But when you’ve got as much money in the bank as Philly-Mick, that $10 mil wouldn’t be nearly as big a deal.
Now, it is not clear yet what requests Mickelson made of Finchem. And it is certain that a number of media-types will brand him as a prima donna for holding his participation like a sword over Finchem’s head.
One thing, however, appears certain: Mickelson’s comments, along with the well-publicized absences of Woods from the first event and Els from the Deutsche Bank, suggest that in future years, if the format doesn’t evolve, or if certain demands of certain mega-stars are not met, future FedEx Cup “playoffs” will be little more than big-money events for second- and third-tier pros.
Just a silly season with crazy cash.
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Jason Scott Deegan:
The Accidental Golfer:
Katharine Dyson:
Kiel Christianson:
You are trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.
Phil didn't say he was looking to skip the rest of the playoffs, just Cog Hill.
Tiger was villified in the media for missing a week. Do you think that maybe Phil was trying to pre-emptively deflect the controversy of missing the event by placing some blame on Finchem? I think that is the case.
Everyone knows the Tour Championship is the crown jewel of this playoff. Phil put himself in a position of advantage, because he can now afford to take a week off to "rest". I think he may think that as well. My contention all along was that Tiger felt his best chance would be to compete in the final three events, given his competitive record on each of the four courses. Phil isn't much different. ANd now that he has won, he is looking to give himself the best shot to win the Tour Championship by taking the week off from Cog Hill. And if I am not mistaken, Cog Hill isn't his favorite golf course.
So I think this was a freebee for Phil to get his pokes in with Finchem and the PGA.
An immature snipe? Possibly. A condemnation of the FedEx? Hardly. Actions speak louder than words.
Maybe even more dramatic was the shootout at the LPGA State Farm Classic between Sherri Steinhauer and Christina Kim. Sherri was the last standing after an amazing putt for putt duel on the last 3 holes. Annika showed that her recovery is coming along with her strong third place finish.
I can't believe that not ONE of you "golf writers" even gave it a mention. You all waste an incredible amount of time on spoiled teenagers but not ONE word on fine golfers who, I suspect, could humiliate any of you on a course.
I love golf. All golf. I can't hit it like I did 40 years ago but I play as much as I can. I wish I could hit like a girl.
That's a very fair criticism. I've written more than most this season and for several years about the LPGA and Futures Tour. I was to have attended the State Farm Classic, but was called away for family reasons. I wish I had been there in person to see it. Sounds
like the new venue was a hit, too. I like Christina Kim a lot -- wrote about her when she was a rookie in 2004. She hits the ball a mile. Fun to watch!
Here's a clue: No one cares about the LPGA.
I also have to ask you if you lament the fact that we're not talking about the Nationwide Tour. You said that you ". . . love golf. All golf," and the Nationwide Players play at a higher level than the pitty-pat golf tour, so why not focus on their exploits?
People fixate on the PGA because it is the grand stage; fourth-rate realms don't excite.