Changes coming, whether we want them to or not

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Tiger Woods will find a new sponsor for his bag, says John Maginnes, but Buick's reduced involvement in golf is still a big blow. (How/Getty Images)

It is easy to overlook professional golf during the holiday season. Sure, the LG Skins Game and the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup will pique some interest. Not to mention, q-school may be the best reality show on TV next week -- football and basketball notwithstanding.

There is change going on in the game right now, though, that should be noted because it could be more significant than you might think.

Annika Sorenstam's departure from professional golf didn't end with the grand farewell that she deserved. As a matter of fact, she missed the cut at her final event on American soil. As someone who carried the LPGA Tour for more than a decade her last few weeks should have been an opportunity to celebrate those 72 wins and 10 major championships.

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The fact that little of the mainstream media even picked up on her departure is sad reflection on the state of women's golf in this country. The pundits on the sports stations were still breaking down college football games and bantering about the upcoming NFL weekend as she took her final bow.

I don't know what it takes for an athlete to earn his or her due. I do know that conducting yourself like a professional every day matters. When you dedicate yourself to a craft and master it like few have before you, the celebration for your accomplishments should be louder.

Annika's Hall of Fame career will go down as one of the best ever. In typical Annika fashion, she never asked for the spotlight. When it was on her, though, she was a role model. More importantly, when the light was off she conducted herself the same way.

Annika's retirement actually got less press than Tiger's parting of the ways with his long-time sponsor, American automaker Buick. Of course, we don't need to pass the hat for the world No. 1. I think that he will still be able to make his mortgage payment. The significance of this move could have a far-reaching effect on the professional game, though.

The auto industry is not the only group heavily involved in golf that is reeling in these volatile financial times. The PGA TOUR has assured its players and sponsors that it is on firm footing, and so far we have not seen great evidence to the contrary. In fact, for the last decade the TOUR has grown by leaps and bounds. Purses have never been higher. But when the most popular athlete in the world loses a sponsor like Buick, it makes you take notice.

Unfortunately, there is little the TOUR can do in terms of the economy. That hasn't kept the TOUR from being proactive in trying to raise its profile and enhance its entertainment profile -- hence, last week's announcement that there will be changes to the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.

The most significant development is that regardless of what happens in the first three Playoff events, THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca Cola will determine the winner of the FedExCup in 2009. The last two years the Cup has been all but decided before the final event.

The points system has also been simplified. This may seem like a no-brainer, but the truth is that the system has been overly confusing for the last couple of years. Going forward the fans and the players alike should have a better understanding of how points are awarded. As a member of the media who follows this every week, all I can say is: thank goodness.

Looking ahead to 2009, things will be slightly different on the PGA TOUR. The changes may be so slight as to go unnoticed by the casual observer. Tiger's bag isn't exactly headline news but it is fun to talk about. Then there are the Playoffs, which are sure to be more exciting. Even if you don't know why, you will probably pay more attention next fall than you have the previous two.

The LPGA Tour will feel the biggest hit next year. Yes, it has Lorena Ochoa carrying the torch now and she has shown that she is up to the task. But you don't replace players -- or people -- like Annika easily.

John Maginnes is a columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His opinion does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the PGA TOUR.