Baldwin: Mickelson skipping FedEx Cup event not news to WorldGolf.com readers

WorldGolf.com first reported that Phil Mickelson would probably skip one of the next two FedEx Cup tournaments back on Aug. 22 from The Barclays. So Mickelson's confirmation today that he is opting out of this week's third playoff leg in Chicago is no great revelation.

Still, it shows again why PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem needs to adopt a If You Miss A Playoff Tournament, You're Eliminated From the Playoffs rule. Mickelson's Cog Hill skip ensures that in three weeks of FedEx Cup tournaments - three weeks in the first FedEx Cup tournament when the curiosity factor alone drives up interest - the Top 20 players in golf will not have all been in even one field.

Tiger Woods missed The Barclays of course, causing plenty of New York disgust. Ernie Els flew right over Boston, while stealing Mickelson's favorite excuse - taking the kids to school. (If I'm Ernie I'm a little disturbed that no one seemed to care about my skip). And now Mickelson says no thanks to Chi town which everyone will notice after he beat Tiger.

That's 0 for 3 for Finchem's new playoff baby.

The only time everyone might be going against each is in Atlanta at the Tour Championship, which probably would have happened without the Cup anyways.

At least, Mickelson is being honest about why he's skipping. He's upset that Finchem hasn't listened to his Cup suggestions. Is it a little babyish? Sure. But that's the exact same reason Tiger skipped too. The world's greatest golfer was pulling a power play on Finchem as sure as Mickelson. You can be sure Finchem knew that. But Tiger hid behind that weak "fatigue" excuse for public relations sake.

Mickelson came out and told everyone. Advantage honesty. Advantage Phil.

Two in the same week over Tiger? Phil's on a roll.

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