A lot of talk goes on these days about things that need improving - the economy, the FedEx Cup, India-Pakistan relations are a few.  Really, though, it seems like the Skins Game is in a bit of trouble.  I love the Skins game format.  When played without the validation component, it is one of the most fun formats in golf to watch. 

As the event kicked off almost 30 years ago, the event was also surprisingly rich for a silly season round of golf.  Featuring a seven figure purse - rare in those days - it allowed four of the modern greats to have some fun, interact with the fans and one another, and give golf some of the spotlight.

Today, we don't really have modern greats, save for Phil Mickelson.  We have three very good and successful golfers plus Phil Mickelson vying for a title that seems to have been lost in the golf landscape.

So, what can be done to bring the Skins Game back to its former glory and prominence?  It's a question that I'm not sure that I can answer.

How about some suggestions to bat around amongst ourselves?

1.  More prize money always seems to be the first suggestion to solve any golf problem.  It is scientific fact that if you throw money at any problem, it automatically gets fixed.  Look at the Baltimore school system.  Still, it's not likely that LG is going to pony up millions more to make the worth of the Skins Game more comiserate with other PGA Tour events.  That would require about a $5 million purse with a $1 million last hole.  And we all know how Tour players feel about a free-for-all.

2.  If more money won't work, how about modifying the Skins Game so that it is more like the World Series of Golf.  The format for that event is more like Texas Hold Em poker than a Skins.  Throughout the day, each player cycles in and out as the main bettor for the hole.  Players could be given one fourth of the purse each to start and just keep betting until we get a million dollar winner.  It's a fun format and could appeal to "risk takers" like Phil Mickelson.

Again, though, we know how PGA Tour players feel about participating in limited-field, silly season events.  They want some guaranteed money.  We would likely have to guarantee $100,000 just for coming.  But it's a small price to pay.

3.  If all else fails, why not merge the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the Skins Game?  Both events are struggling for relevance.  The points scale to get into the Grand Slam of Golf is more antiquated than a musket.  The Skins Game format gets less attention than Rosie Live.  Combine the two - four major winners and the Skins format - and you would probably get as much attention as that guy who gets a cannonball shot at his stomach.

So, what say you?  Does the Skins Game need fixing?  How?