Why don't professional golfers play every week?

Question

I thought the goal was to score enough points to make it into the FedEx Cup Playoffs, but, for example, this week in the Wyndham Championship, only 3 players in the top 30 are playing. In addition, you have to play to get paid! Wouldn't a player want to play EVERY week to score the maximum amount of FedEx points?

Do the players get worn out from playing the previous week's tournament? Do they need to spend time preparing for the next week's tournament? Do they pick and choose tournaments they play in based on "favorites" (they have played well at a particular course before)?

Answer 1

Golf at a pro level is very physically and mentally demanding, so they might play 3 weeks in a row then have a week off.  For the guys that need to catch up, they would probably try and play every week.

Answer 2

When the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs start, the points reset so the players who are already a lock to make it, may choose not to play as they may take the week off to rest or flat out, they may just not need to play. This week's field is mostly made of guys who are on the bubble of not making it/making it. But yes, some players like some places and some do not...look @ Tiger's schedule. He chooses to play where he plays well or where the course typically sets up for him. These guys are not like baseball players where they're under contract to a team....all the guys are independent contractors.

Answer 3

golfers have another life than golf dude...they need to spend time with their families and they do important outings and fundraising events....my dad teaches chris dimarco and my dad teaches john daly.....i know this ****

Answer 4

their always at a range practcing...id like 2 see u golf as much a vjay...that guys amazing...and if your not winning your not geting points...and no 1 cares about the fedex points, even golfers them selfves dont get the system

Answer 5

In my opinion, golfers pick a schedule they are going to play before the year starts.  FedEx pts. is just a bonus.  The real thing that they play for is playing in the Majors (Except Kenny Perry).  Fatigue is a big factor because you just don't play on Thurs.- Sun., you start on Tues. for practice and maybe a pro-am.  It wears them out if you play every weekend.  Also, if you win a tourney the year before or come in the top 10, you get invited back the next year and I think they feel obligated to play in that tourney.  Also, Ryder Cup is a big deal as well (Kenny Perry).  He concentrated on the events he could win to make it and not the Majors he wouldn't have a chance at.  Hope this helps but I think it is up to the golfer to decide his schedule and what tourneys he will do good at.

Answer 6

If you know anything about the game , you wouldn't ask the question.The week starts with a practice round or two on Monday and Tuesday, the Pro-Am on Wednesday, the actual tournament on Thursday, Friday and if they make the cut, an additional 36 holes on the weekend. The players will compete in the following weeks tournament if 1) they commited themselves, 2) if they are on sponsor's exemption, 3) If it is a major tournament. They will also commit if they have played the venue before or if one of their sponsor's has purchased TV time.

Answer 7

The simple answer to this question is...because they do not need to play every week.  Or they do not wish to.