The FedExCup Problem: It's Not the Points, It's the Money

For all of the groaning about the FedExCup points system that delights Tim Finchem (no, really), the real problem with the format isn't that getting it requires a statistical analysis software package (which I have now).  The issue with the FedExCup is the money.  It is the $65 million that is doled out over four tournaments. 

By virtue of winning another $10 million in FedExCup bonus money, Tiger Woods is closer to becoming a billionaire than ever.  The $20 million-plus he has earned in three Playoffs is a little more than 20% of his career PGA Tour winnings of $92,862,539.  It is 2% of his total career earnings, being a billionaire and all.

When asked earlier in the week if a putt for the $11.35 million combined for winning the FedExCup and Tour Championship, Woods said he would be unfazed by such a putt.

"I kind of get into the moment of playing and I get into my own little world and my own little zone," Wood said.  "I think that's just how I've always played."

In other words, a putt for another $11.35 million means another yacht - not a life-changing sum of money.

The same is true for Tour Championship winner Phil Mickelson.  He now has some $56 million in on-course earnings, excluding the $3 million that he picked up on Sunday for finishing in second place in the FedExCup. 

While Mickelson's net worth pales in comparison to Woods', it is no secret that Mickelson has plenty of cash and is willing to spend it.  He is even prepared to pay off spectators that he might graze with an errant drive.  The guy is swimming in money.

The lack of emotion we saw from both on Sunday despite their achievements was not directly correlated to the insensitivity to that kind of money, though. 

This year has been very trying for Phil Mickelson given the circumstances surrounding his wife's and mother's health.  A win in some golf tournament may be great for his confidence, but this was a four day break before resuming the journey of surviving cancer.

For Woods, he measures his achievements in simple terms.  Win major championships.  Best Sam Snead's PGA Tour win record.  That's about it.  Money isn't a motivator.  Not only does he have a billion George Washingtons, but history does not measure greatness in this sport by dollars.

Meanwhile, the $7.5 million purse for four straight events are great for the rank-and-file on Tour.  Only the WGCs, Players Championship, and the Open Championship offer a larger purse. 

For a guy like Heath Slocum, a win in one of these events is life changing.  He won $1.35 million for his Barclays triumph.  The win positioned him squarely into the top 30 in the FedExCup, earning him spots in all four majors in 2010.  Slocum has never had that kind of assurance.

Marc Leishman got hot at the right time.  By finagling his way into East Lake, he assured himself of a Tour card for next year and a spot in all of the majors.  Curiously enough, Leishman is notched at 41st on the Tour's money list.  In the era before the FedExCup, Leishman would be playing these fall events for a better shot at the invitational events next year.  Yee-haw.  The Playoffs worked out great for the Australian.  And his reputation was buoyed by compliments from the world number one about his skill and mettle. 

Even the world's second ranked player, Steve Stricker, let the fleeting thought of $10 million get in his head on 16 tee on Sunday.  He was one of few players to figure out the points scenarios in advance of the final round.  That kind of money is transformational to him and his family.

The FedExCup is both too young of a concept and too conceptual in its nature to have real sentimental value for the players competing in it.  Likewise, the Players Championship, the Tour's flagship event, is still defining its niche in terms of importance beyond being the richest single purse on Tour.  While not a major, the players clearly have some non-monetary motivation to take down Sawgrass.

If an achievement lacks historical significance, then sometimes the motivation comes from being the first.  That was clearly absent from the FedExCup's first, second, and third.  If it lacks prestige, then money can be the second best motivator.  But, when the FedExCup's two champions are one and two on the career Tour money list, money is not much of a driver.

Even after all of the accolades, Woods, Singh, Mickelson, and the like still get nervous when they are in contention.  All have said that if they ever stop, then they'll quit golf.  So, no matter how much money is thrown their way, the best players are still somewhat driven by the thrill of winning.  That's great for golf, but bad for the FedExCup.  That means that winning the Tour Championship is not much different than winning the FedExCup - even with the multi-million dollar carrot...or carat.