"The PGA Tour needs the players a lot more than the players need the PGA Tour."

Jason Sobel on the accelerated globilization of golf with this week's news:

It remains to be seen what kind of foresight and creativity can be employed to keep more top players competing in the U.S. more often. One thing is certain: This is a critical juncture for the PGA Tour and without a proper plan in place, its power could be severely weakened by those players who wish to ply their craft elsewhere around the world.

How Does The FedExCup Return In 2013?

The PGA Tour's next television contract negotiation will occur in 2011 and with the recent defections of Europeans Westwood and McIlroy citing the FedExCup as the final straw in opting to remain loyal to the European Tour it would seem that the FedExCup foundations are crumbling.

Since many writers have touted the Cup as a success because it brings top players together at a time they wouldn't otherwise play, this latest episode of non-commitment to the tour from Euros would seem to deflate that argument. Throw in the absurd points system, the branding as a playoff with almost no authentic playoff characteristics, and general apathy from fans, and the tour would seem to have no choice but to be radically rethink the cup in every respect.

Thoughts?

"The problem is the US Tour is just too rigid in terms of making you play 15 but with long-term suspensions if you don't."

I am fascinated by agent Johan Elliott's comments in suggesting Martin Kaymer will not take on a PGA Tour membership next year.

"Martin will follow Lee Westwood and not take out US Tour membership next year," said Elliott. "He just feels that joining the US Tour would be too much work and give him no freedom in his schedule. You have to play your 15 events and with everything else that he wants to play that would mean playing 30 tournaments."

Okay, first of all, if he plays four majors and four WGC's, he's more than halfway there. But anyway...this is what got my attention.

"The problem is the US Tour is just too rigid in terms of making you play 15 but with long-term suspensions if you don't."

Long-term suspensions?

"Bearing more guilt is IMG, Kim’s management company, which in return for its commission concocts shore stories to hide unpalatable truths."

Tough words from Robert Lusetich aimed at the PGA Tour and IMG for their "enabling" of Anthony

It’s his life and if he wants to piss it away with all that money Nike gave him last year, then so be it. He’s only really hurting himself.

But what I object to, in advance, is the inevitable in-depth profile that is bound to appear in some publication of note on the heels of this latest debacle claiming that Kim’s had another come-to-Jesus moment. That he’s suddenly re-dedicated himself to his game and has seen the error of his ways.

These fairytales have appeared throughout his career and I’m calling B.S. right now on the next one. So, please, IMG, spare us the heartfelt story of how AK’s grown up and come to see that he’s throwing away a very special talent.

Until he has.