In times like these, players make all the difference

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David Toms plans to play most of the West Coast Swing.

David Toms gets it, and he is not alone.

In a conversation after the third round of the Sony Open in Hawaii, David spoke candidly about the approach that he and his fellow PGA TOUR players need to have toward major sponsors in the current economic climate. David inferred that the best way for top players to express their gratitude to these corporations that dish out millions in sponsorship dollars is for these players to play more.

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David has committed to play six of the first seven events on the schedule. Obviously, the world rankings and winning golf tournaments could potentially affect his schedule going forward. David and several other veterans realize that the current and future health of the TOUR is as unstable as the rest of the economy.

David is coming off his worst finish on the money list in 14 years. It would be easy for the 42-year-old father of two to simply dial back his playing schedule, but that is just not his style.

For years, David has quietly been giving back away from the TOUR. The David Toms Foundation that he began in 2003 has become one of the most success philanthropic organizations in sports. The Wall Street Journal recognized David's foundation in 2006 as having the lowest percentage of expenses for any athletic foundation that gave more than $600,000 in charity dollars.

Additionally, Toms, Hal Sutton and Kelly Gibson were instrumental in raising millions for Hurricane Katrina relief in their native Louisiana.

As David alluded to on Saturday the crisis at hand in all of professional sports may be more subtle, but no less important to the livelihood of PGA TOUR players.

"The sponsors are what make our world go around out here," David said.

David's recognition of the situation is not unique in the locker rooms on TOUR these days. Tom Pernice Jr. has always been one of the players who showed appreciation to the sponsors.

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Tom Pernice is one of many players who is going the extra mile when it comes to helping his pro-am partners.

It is common to see Tom show up for lunch with his pro-am partners after the round. This may sound like a small gesture, but it has become a rarity over the years. Following the pro-am, a large number of players retreat to the driving range or the players' lounge after the hands are shaken and the scorecard signed.

With veterans like David and Tom stepping up to do whatever they can for the sponsors, they creating more than just good will. They are setting an example for a PGA TOUR that is getting younger and younger.

Peter Jacobsen has spoken candidly about the importance of teaching the young players how to handle playing with captains of industry. For years, these lessons have been passed down from the veterans to the younger guys. Throughout his career Peter has taken it upon himself to pull the younger guys aside and mentor them.

Even with the efforts of David, Tom and Peter, the road ahead is as uncertain for the PGA TOUR as it is for the rest of the sports world. Golf's main advantage lies in the character of its players and what they represent. Obviously, the financial minds in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., have proven their worth over the years, but that alone may not be enough. The onus could -- and probably should -- fall into the laps of the players to step up and show their appreciation.

Golf is unique in that the sponsors actually have access to the top players in the game. In no other sport do the guys writing the checks get to share the playing field with the professionals in the events that they sponsor.

In good economic times, this is an advantage that players take for granted. As a matter of fact, in the past the Wednesday pro-am has often been considered a disdainful necessity. These days that attitude is changing, and not a moment too soon.

David Toms, Tom Pernice and Peter Jacobsen have always understood the opportunity that comes with these events. Hopefully their example will have an effect that reaches both high and low on the money list.

If the top players add a tournament or two to their schedules and the next generation follows their example the PGA TOUR will weather this storm and possibly raise its profile in the world of sports.

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