It's early days, but I don't think the FedEx Cup play-offs have set out to do what they were intending to do...

Only two players outside of the top 120 before the Barclays made it into the top 120. Bob Heintz only edged up from 132 to 125 despite a top 20 finish last week. Woods only dropped down to fourth when he didn't even play.

Indeed, only five players moved up more than 10 positions - the biggest move being Rich Beem (21 places).

Woods can afford a week off and still know that he can win this week and assume his rightful place at the top of the standings.

To me, that would suggest that the points weightings aren't sufficient to ensure large enough swings to make playing in events pivotal.

Doug LaBelle II (currently placed 120th) now needs to finish 1st or 2nd this week to make it into the all-important top 70 - and even then could miss out if those nearer the cut mark fare almost as well. He may as well book a week's holiday for next week already!

Verplank and Els are both assured of places in the PGA Tour Championship even though they are outside the top 10 and not playing this week. They might drop a few places, but that's it.

If the intention was to get the best players involved for four consecutive weeks, I just don't think the current structure is enough to entice players to do so.

What do others think?

Its a failure. The fields may even be weaker as players can do the maths and then drop out.

IMO any system that makes the US tour stronger than it already is is to the detriment of golf.

Scrap the PGA as a major and then make a new major in either South Africa or Australia. Those nations have produced fine golfers that have done a huge amount for world golf and they have magnificent courses.

I never really followed what they were trying to achieve anyway. The top golfers in the world will play if they want to, and won't if they don't - FedEx or no FedEx, and if there are loopholes where they can get away with not playing and still qualify for the next event, then they will exploit it to the full.

I think you have something there Groomyd, but I can't see it happening unfortunately.

+ do you really think thry need $10m that they can't touch until retirement age

The idea is to get the 'big names' involved after the final Major in September. A lot will only fulfil sponsorship deals between now and March / April when the build up to the Masters starts.

South Africa, Australia & the Far East have all thrown huge amounts of money at Tournaments to entice the big names with limited success.

The European Tour now encompasses Asia, South Africa & Australia - maybe it's time they built up a Tournament in each Continent, some sort of World Series.

Another option would be to have some sort of Ryder Cup style Competition with qualifying points awarded over the Winter months.

At the recent Bridgestone Invitational K.J. Choi said if he won the FedEx Cup, he would donate the $10m to charity.

Kinda difficult as he won't be getting it 'til he's 45

Apparently Stewart Cink shot back, "He'd have to get a loan."

They've made a few changes for next year;

http://www.pgatour.com/2007/r/11/13/pla ... index.html