Weak TV ratings without Tiger Woods show huge disconnect between casual and hard-core golf fans

How are you reacting to the absence of Tiger Woods as the PGA Tour enters its playoffs today?

If you’re one of those who say golf is more interesting now, you’re almost certainly a hard-core fan.

If you’re not even bothering to read this, you’re probably a star-struck golf groupie.

The hard-core fans are enjoying the fact the FedEx Cup playoffs are now wide-open. Kenny Perry, for god’s sake, is a favorite.

You think Kenny Perry is going to inspire the masses? Get a $50 million contract from Nike?

The casual fan attracted to the game only because of Woods has already tuned out.

In the old days, before Woods dropped out to rehab his knee, the speculation would have been over second place.

Woods’ star quality has propped up golf for years. It’s no coincidence TV ratings started to go south when Woods bit the dust.

The PGA Tour better pray that Woods comes back strong. If not, that fat, $10 million check for winning the FedEx Cup will be about half that in the coming years, if they’re lucky.