That's right, the new PGA Tour "playoffs" are underway -

[Dennis_Harwood]

Looks like another top player defection:

Ernie says he needs to be at home for a week..

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=2994463

How can the playoffs be taken seriously when players who have enough points already know that they can make it to the next round without even showing up??

So I guess that means a 119 player field (subject to more withdrawals)?

I don't think there is any provisions for number 121, etc to make the field for the next event if their points are not in the top 120--

Who knows, there may only be a couple of foursomes left when the top 30 point getters conviene if some of those 30 decide to skip the final event of this "Classic".

Never heard of a team in another sport deciding to "skip the playoffs" because of start of fishing season, or something.

[Jerry Kluger]

What is interesting is the pairings for the first two rounds this week - presuming it is according to standings.  Tiger, Vijay and Phil will play together and Choi, Stricker and Sabbatini will play together.  This should really help the 3 leaders as they won't have the Tiger intimidation and crowds to deal with.  The 3 big names could beat each other up and perhaps get a bit too aggressive.  The Golf Channel has to love this for the ratings for the first two rounds.