"Playing seven out of nine weeks with an additional trip to Ireland for Ryder Cup practice was taxing both mentally and physically and I feel like I need another week away from competitive golf. I'm confident that this extended break will help me to recharge my batteries for the 2007 season."
Miranda's comments: It seems to me there should be a measure of respect doled out for the people who make your career possible, the tour, the sponsors, the fans. It isn't as if the Tour Championship was a surprise addition to the PGA Tour schedule. The players know it's there and they know it's the most important tournament for a lot of people. A win there carries a great deal of prestige as you can say you've beaten the top 29 players in the world. The game of golf is more than just records, more than just wins, more than just money. It's integrity. It's honor. It's tradition. It's respect for the history of the game and the people who made all this possible, from the players of yesteryear to the past PGA tour commissioners, from the legends in corporate sponsorship, to the volunteers and the charities, and to the fans who not only buy the tickets, but also the clubs, the balls, the clothes, the programs, the Buicks and Rolexes the players endorse. The fact that this is the last year the Tour Championship will be held so late in the season only makes me more incensed that some players are not participating. They got what they wanted with the shortened Fed Ex Cup season next year, but that just isn't enough for some of them. This week, there are hard fought battles being waged att he Chrysler Championship by players who would desperately love the opportunity players like Tiger and Phil Mickelson are so carelessly tossing aside. Are these two the best players in the world? They may have more money. But you have to question their passion. Their dedication. And their love for the game.
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