12:55 PM Fri, Nov 03, 2006 | Permalink
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If not for the Enron scandal which ensared Dynegy as well, Houston would be hosting the PGA Tour Championship this weekend. It is considered to be the "Super Bowl" of golf bringing together the top 30 money winners for one of the tour's biggest purses. Dynegy was once the proud sponsor, but as it fell into reorganization, Coca-Cola swooped in and took the event from Champions to Atlanta. But what Coca-Cola and the PGA didn't count on was to have its two biggest stars, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson bow out. The event is going on, but it is no longer compelling. Does it really matter whether or not Retief Goosen can beat Joe Durant? Or how about Davis Love III shooting an 82 on the first day. I guess he'll miss the cut, er, there isn't one. It's been apparent for several years the PGA tour is all about Tiger, sometimes Phil and Vijay, but then everyone else. This means Tiger is calling all the shots, a nice position for him, but it is putting the PGA is in a difficult spot. No question his popularity has been good for the sport, but in reality any time he plays in another tournament outside one of the four majors, it is out of Tiger's own good will. There is a minimum of 15 tournaments which he must play in, but they are of Tiger's choosing, just like any other player who's earned his tour card. Sure he makes a bunch of money in appearance fees when he plays out of the country, but Tiger has already earned more money than he can spend, and that means he is in full control. There are no clear answers to fix the situation, but for a moment try to walk in Tiger's golf shoes. I think we all would like to call are own shots, but the fact is most of us can't. It's sad the top players aren't in this weekend's tournament, but then again, it's not a "Major."
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