After an initial grumbling period when the PGA TOUR first announced the Cup, comments died down. They're back, in full force, with the Fedex Playoffs beginning last week.
After the PGA Championship, interest in golf among fans and pros alike seems to traditionally wain until the season kicks up again in January. The Fedex Cup is, among other things, an attempt to keep interest high.
In a nutshell, the Fedex Cup is a season-long points race and a four-tournament playoff among the top-144 players, culminating at the Tour Championship about three weeks from now. At the Tour Championship, the top-30 left after weekly eliminations during the first three events will vie for the title of Fedex Champion. To the winner goes a $10 million annuity. Not a check for $10 million, a promise of $10 million later.
There have been lots of complaints against the Cup. Some say it'll take something away from the Majors. Some say the Majors will keep the Fedex from becoming popular. Others think it cheapens the the Tour Championship. The list goes on.
Some players have spoken against it, if only in muted tones or by mocking the annuity to the winner. Other players say they don't understand the scoring system, playoff format, etc. If I can understand it, anyone can. With only a few minutes of reading the rules and format posted on PGATOUR.com, I think I've got it.
An inordinately protective love of the Majors are the only two reasons I can think of for hating the Fedex so soon. I love the Majors as much as anything golf-related, but if fans decide they like the Fedex Cup "chase" more (which won't happen), then so be it. Don't tell people it's worthless before they decide for themselves.
If readership of Fedex Cup articles on this site is any indication of popularity, it's the best thing since the Pro V1.
As far as I'm concerned, they jury's still out. Give it some time before passing judgement.
