PGA Season opener w/o some big names

[Mok]

This week's PGA Tour season-opening Mercedes Championships will lack plenty of star-power. Despite qualifying for the event as tournament winners last season, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen and Padraig Harrington will not be competing at Kapalua.

What do you guys think about this? Should these players who qualify be obligated to play?

[beeker]

I'd like to see some sort of requirement where they need to play in all events on a regular basis -- look at the Canadian Open where they struggle to get the big names. If they had to play in each event at least once every certain number of years, fans would always get a chance to see the top players. With the Mercedes, it shows that they do not need the money as they're all guaranteed part of the purse. I've been to Maui before and wouldn't pass up the opportunity to go over again, even if it is a long flight....

[EDSGolf]

What do you guys think about this? Should these players who qualify be obligated to play?
Unfortunately for fans, these Pros are individual contractors and can play whenever they want. I have a feeling they may move the Mercedes closer to home, it's too much of a big trip for some of these guys to make. I, on the other hand, would love to go to Hawaii.

[noback]

And who would decide which tournaments are going to be manditory?:rolleyes:

[duffer_devon]

What I still don't understand is why Tiger, with one side of his mouth, states the PGA season is too long, then with the other, plays 5 weeks in a row after the Tour season is over. Then he has the audacity to say that he needs a break !!

If he doesn't realize very soon that he is the draw for sponsors and t.v. and that when he chooses not to play an event he puts the sponsors at risk of not coming back.

Why would Mercedes re-sign their sponsorship deal knowing the top players can skip their event, guaranteeing less people will watch.

Pretty soon, there will be less sponsors, less money to play for and Tiger will be asking me if their is a spot on my Tour for him to play.

[noback]

The PGA is already in trouble IMO. I read in the Sun yesterday the television contract is up soon and will looking for another long term deal. ABC is NOT EVEN bidding. Word is Mercedes is still on the bubble for next year as a sponsor. After no shows like the cat, and Mickelson, this tour had better watch out. Nice to see the boys REALLY care about where their income comes form:rolleyes: :nono: :help: :mad: :confused: :eek: