By Jason Johnson
Posted 02/16/2007 at 01:58 PM

Like many Americans, I'm a golf fan. That's right, I'm the one who shows up on Sunday afternoon during the NFL playoffs at your favorite sports bar and asks them to throw on final round coverage of the Sony Open from Hawaii (while I'm watching the playoff game of course). I'm also a golfer. I try and get out once or twice a week to enjoy whacking that little white ball around with family and friends.

So why is it that as a golf fan, when I tune into this weeks tournament, I can't find the most talented player on the tee? Why are Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, and Jim Furyk at the Nissan Open while Tiger is home recovering from a long trip to Dubai rigth smack in the middle of the PGA season?

Let's start with "money." It's no suprise that Tiger can be found at the "Majors" and the World Golf Championship events. After all, those events have the most prestige and the biggest purses. But when did the Buick Invitational become a major event? Could it be that thanks to the big sponsorship Buick gives to Woods, he has to show up? I'd imagine so. Is the a signal to other event sponsors such as American Express or Verizon who don't have Woods on their sponsorship roster?

"The Invitational" was a favorite event of many players on tour due to its different format. It's recently been canceled. The individuals in charge of the event have mentioned in interviews that the absence of Tiger Woods from has made TV ratings dip and sponsors hard to find yet Woods is picking up appearance fees for playing in tournaments around the world.

Now I'll admit that everyone has to make a living and they are entitled to do so as they wish. In fact, I'll go as far to credit Tiger Woods' camp for making him millions. But let me introduce a concept to the money makers; it's called "responsibility." Tiger should be feeling a certain level of responsibility to the fans that have helped him make his living. The fans who cough up their hard earned money to come out and watch the sport and the fans who buy his Nike One golf balls to play it.

There is no reason for Woods to be playing anywhere outside the number one tour and against the top competition each and every week. The PGA Tour is now January through September. Most Americans work five days a week, every week, with only a little vacation time. Why can't he? I'll even suggest that he has an edge over his competition due to less fatigue.

Could you imagine Shaq only played half the season or Roger Clemens only pitched a few months a year? hmmmmmmmmmm......