FedEx Cup Blues

The PGA introduced the FedEx Cup last year, with a playoff format and buckets of prize money to generate interest in golf through the fall and the provide some finality to the season. When Tiger Woods won the first title, with Phil Michelson in hot pursuit, the new format was pronounced a success. But of course, Tiger could stand on his head for four days and he would elevate TV ratings. This year, the already byzantine scoring system is even more inscrutable, Tiger is on forced sabbatical, and Phil is out of contention. Not surprisingly, there are rumblings of dissatisfaction with the system. For many years, pro tennis has also experimented with different season-ending formats and venues, with limited success. While tennis is not as healthy as golf, the sports have one common denominator - they still revolve around their Grand Slam events. Attempts to create new majors or playoffs come off as contrived or confusing to fans.