Tim Finchem, absolute power corrupts!

On Monday I went to the CVS Golf Classic, held here in little Rhode Island for the last 8 years. In that time, this little laid back tournament has raised more than $8 million for local charity. It's held at the Rhode Island Country Club, a beautiful old course on the upper end of Narragansett Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

The tournament consists of ten 2 man teams handpicked by the organizers Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon. The pros love it because the worst they can do is earn about $45k for two days work. It's a relaxed team format, on a course that hasn't been tricked up. The crowds are relatively small so you can get up close and personal with some of the top pros in the world. They sign golf balls for the kids, they joke on the tee. Everybody feels good and there are no long faces. In other words a win- win for everyone - except Tim Finchem. He wants the pros to play only where he can get the most money and that means an end to these 'family affairs'. Forget the charity dollars, forget the wonderful promotion of golf as a fun game, and forget getting close to your idols. Finchem wants money and control. He calls the shots ladies and gentlemen so that's what you'll get. If he has his way there will be no two day tournaments like the CVS Charity Classic and golf will continue to die a slow death. Tim, we can hardly wait for what comes next. As for me, I'm looking forward to the 2006 Women's Open where I can really enjoy myself.