Does the Tour cater to the to players too much?

[Ogg]

With all the talk of Philly Mick getting a free pass when he didn't play in the pro-am of a recent event, Tiger seemingly getting preferential treatment for rulings, reduced fields for specific events, does the Tour cater to the top players too much?

[lamebums]

With all the talk of Philly Mick getting a free pass when he didn't play in the pro-am of a recent event, Tiger seemingly getting preferential treatment for rulings, reduced fields for specific events, does the Tour cater to the top players too much?

Absolutely. Everytime something's going on, it's always Tiger this, Tiger that. I actually make it a point to watch events where Tiger is

not playing. To his credit, he's a great golfer and probably the best out there right now, but I'm sick of seeing the guy. I want to see the rest of the field, as well.

[ragontona]

Top Players = Ratings = More sponsors = More money for everyone

[iacas]

To his credit, he's a great golfer and probably the best out there right now

"Probably the best out the right now?" Since last year's U.S. Open, Tiger has won nine of the thirteen tournaments he has entered. He has finished in the top three in eleven of those thirteen.

Tiger isn't "probably" the best golfer out there right now. C'mon man! You can be reserved in your praise, but geez! Give the guy the credit he's due!

Top Players = Ratings = More sponsors = More money for everyone

I agree. People don't turn on the TV to watch Arron Oberholser (even though I do - I like the guy a lot - you know what I'm saying by "people").

I also disagree with the Tour's decision re: Phil. They should have canned him from the tournament or flipped his pairing and given him an afternoon pro-am time.

[AMGfan]

I guess I'm in the other camp...I'd like to see him play more. He only plays a limited schedule and some folks bitch we see too much of him. The people who better not bitch about his presence are the tour players and the PGA...his impact on the money in the sport (advertising, purse, sponsorship) only makes the other players wealthier and more privileged to be at that level.

If people are sick of him...you better get used to it because this is Tiger's era. As far the free pass for Mickelson, I thought his flight was grounded and that was why he didn't make it to the Pro-Am? If that's the case, then I'd give him a pass, too. The preferential rulings for Tiger? You might have to get more specific to have proper arguement whether that was the case.

If you are talking about the reduced field in Tiger's event in Washington, you got to remember that was the week for the International. An event that no longer exists, so Tiger's event would actually provide a source of income for that week for the players. Granted, it will be a smaller field, but its better than nothing.

Are they catered too much? Hell, yes! However, I would be right with them thanking my lucky stars that I was good enough to be in the PGA...I'm not and I'm with everyone else watching them on TV. I just don't begrudge them for the trappings they've earned.

[sandtrap]

I think they should force the top guys to play more and have a rotation that they have to play evry tour stop at least once every 5 years

[iacas]

The people who better not bitch about his presence are the tour players and the PGA...his impact on the money in the sport (advertising, purse, sponsorship) only makes the other players wealthier and more privileged to be at that level.

Wow, what synergy! Check out

today's TNG column .

As far the free pass for Mickelson, I thought his flight was grounded and that was why he didn't make it to the Pro-Am? If that's the case, then I'd give him a pass, too.

Phil had a private flight, so he could have flown out early the next morning OR taken a car and driven (or been driven by someone). Others have had to do similar things in similar circumstances.

[AMGfan]

Wow, what synergy! Check out

Iacas...good read. You put some statistical fact into my intuitive impression on Tiger's impact.

[allin]

I know I know, independent contractors blah, blah, blah. This competition for the elite players has become potentially damaging to the future of the tour. One of the things that destoyed boxing was the ability of the very few at the top rung of the sport to dictate events for their personal gain. The devlopment of new boxers and the sport in general has been severely damaged by this lack of perspective.

[iacas]

Iacas...good read. You put some statistical fact into my intuitive impression on Tiger's impact.

Jason Kunze wrote (most of) it. Just wanted to clear that up...

[Philfest]

They better treat these guys good, they're the breaqd and butter of the tour.

The PGA knows which side of the bread gets buttered.

Tiger