The FedEx playoffs are about to start on the PGA Tour. I get so excited this time of year because of the start of the NFL and college football seasons. I find it hard to get invested in the end of year golf playoffs. I forgot to mention the US Open in Flushing Meadows begins next Monday.

            I already know who the best player in world is. I know who the best player was this year, once again. So what is the point of the playoff system? In other sports, if you lose you go home. In golf, you beat enough players, you continue. The past three playoffs did not create the excitement that the PGA was hoping for.

            I would love to see different formats in the final four weeks of the year and eliminate the playoffs. I would love to see the players divided into two teams. Maybe the teams would be determined by players who finish even numbered on one team and those odd numbered players on another. Play a two man better ball match play event over four days.  The winning team continues the following week and the loser goes home. On the second week play a stableford format. The third week and fourth week find formats that are most commonly played by amateurs with their friends on the weekends.

            After the PGA championship what really remains as relevant to the tour players. I wonder what kind of ratings the playoffs brings for the networks. A shortened golf season would allow the players to play more golf outside the United States and help grow the sport in new countries. It is on to football, baseball and tennis for me.