PGA's Finchem answers his critics

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has heard all the complaints the past few days.

He has heard the Tour players gripe that new FedEx Cup playoffs are too much of a grind with four events in four weeks.

He has heard that the $10 million bonus for the winner shouldn't go into a retirement fund, that the players want their money now.

He also has heard that top players such as Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods are disappointed they weren't consulted more about the whole system.

On Wednesday afternoon, Finchem responded to some of those criticisms. Here's some of what he had to say.

On the playoff schedule: "Right now I think the important thing is that it's accomplishing things it's supposed to. It's making a better end to the season, creating some powerful events, and most importantly it gives the fans something to enjoy.

"We expect this schedule to be tough. It's the playoffs. I don't feel compelled to change anything about this system."

On Phil Mickelson opting not to play in the BMW Championship: "Phil explained his reasoning for not coming. I explained my disappointment. And that's all about the conversation that I care to talk about.

"When I have a concern about a player, I talk with the player. I don't go out and talk publicly. He's a major asset to the Tour. I consider him a personal friend. We don't always agree on things, but it doesn't diminish the positive impact he has on the Tour."

On the BMW being in Chicago on an every-other-year basis: "The decision to move out of Chicago was made based on a number of factors. Sometimes people forget. We have three purposes as an organization.

"No 1, player benefits. No. 2, raising money for charity. No. 3, grow and protect the game. The Evans Scholars will be much better off because of this decision.

"We recognize the reaction of the fans in Chicago and we have to take that into consideration, but I think it was a good decision."