Each year, the Top 125 PGA TOUR money winners receive their 'cards', i.e, their Exempt Status, for the following year. Now, most would think that the playing field is level, with everybody competing as equals in the full schedule of events through year-end. For better or for worse, that has always been a rather naive misconception.
Just having your card does not guarantee admittance into all PGA TOUR events. In fact, the 'card' itself is good for no more than a handful. There are some 250 cards out there -- not to mention the sponsor and other special exemptions that exist at every event -- and with fields of 132, 144 and 156, some players are going to be relegated to ‘Alternate’ status.
Even this lowly status is unavailable in the richest tournaments. These admit only a limited field through qualification (e.g., the World Golf Championships) or by qualification and invitation (e.g., the Masters). This Darwinian state of affairs has long been an accepted fact of life on the PGA TOUR, a.k.a. the Land of the Meateaters. For those who complain, the retort has always been, “Play better”.
But now we have the initial qualifying field of 125 (that winnows to 30) in the four FedExCup Playoffs events. This presents a somewhat different state of affairs. Here, we supposedly have a season-ending climax that results in 30 of the field playing in The TOUR Championship to determine the FedExCup Champion. The only problem is that . . .
The season doesn’t end.
Instead, it continues into the Fall Series of five events (and $23.5 million in Official Money) that truly
does end the season. It is in these final events that those struggling to remain in (or move into) the sainted Top 125 will compete to retain their cards for the next year. And this is where things get sticky.
If, for example, you’re in the top 125 and qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs, you have the opportunity to compete in up to four events that total
$30 million in Official Money. Those who don't qualify get five weeks off (including the week before the TOUR Championship) during which time there is absolutely
no chance to improve their ranking. In other words, you get the chance to pile up official money in up to four of the biggest-money events of the season while those outside the Top 125 in the pre-Playoffs standings can do nothing but watch. Is this fair?
Consider, for example, our
LBG friend
Heath Slocum, who made the Playoffs ranked #123 in Official Money (and #124 in FedExCup points). After his win at The Barclays, he now ranks #29 in Official Money (and #3 in FedExCup points!) and has wrapped up his card for the year. Now, as happy as I am for Heath, I have to wonder, is that fair to the players who barely missed the FedExCup qualifying points criteria and now have been forced to the sidelines until October 1st? Is it fair for, say, some 25 golfers just
inside the Magic 125 to have such a monumental advantage (a shot at $30 'extra' million) over those who are just
outside it? All for the sake of Playoffs that are truly ‘
in season’ rather than ‘
post season’?
Now, I’m not making any judgements here . . . just pointing out the facts of the situation. And, surely, there are other considerations and constraints. Let’s hear your opinion! Also, vote your favorite option in the poll accompanying this thread. Should be interesting.
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