PGA Tour still trying to get FedEx Cup right
The PGA Tour's FedEx Cup, the four-tournament series culminating with the Tour Championship and $10 million to the winner, has failed to generate the excitement of the NASCAR season-ending Sprint Cup challenge it was loosely modeled after.
Heck, it's failed to generate much more excitement than the MLS All-Star game.
Chances are, the third version of the FedEx Cup next year will be modified for a third time, as the PGA Tour's policy board is discussing changes today. ESPN.com's very plugged-in Bob Harig has a report today.
In the first FedEx Cup in 2007, at least Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were alive for the $10-million bonus heading into the Tour Championship. This year, Padraig Harrington won two majors but didn't even qualify for the 30-player field in the Tour Championship because of poor play in the first two FedEx Cup playoff events. And Vijay Singh had locked up the title even before the Tour Championship, assuming he could complete four rounds.
Changes being contemplated include making sure the FedEx Cup champion isn't determined before the Tour Championship, ensuring major winners a spot in the regular-season-ending event and simplifying point distribution. That last aspect will be important; even some tour players can't explain how the points work in that four-tournament playoff.
Here's to simplifying things ... and, most important, getting Tiger Woods back on the course.
-- Mike James
Photo: Padraig Harrington celebrates after winning the British Open. Credit: Paul Ellis / AFP / Getty Images
