It's bad business when Tiger, others sit out an event

	Tiger and caddie Steve Williams are sitting out most of January. Jeff Gross/Getty Images

We have a recurring theme that is rearing its ugly head on the PGA Tour. Some of the top players in the world are skipping out on some of the marquee or specialty events that have a limited field of players competing for mega-dollars.

I understand that these players are independent contractors; they have the right to pick and choose where they will play. But in most cases they get their millions in earnings each year from the inflated purses at Tour events.

Case in point ...

Phil Mickelson decided he didn't want to play in the 2005 season-ending Tour Championship (a $6.5 million purse), stating he wanted to be home with his family, a noble desire. Now once again he's decided to skip this week's season-opening Mercedes Championship for the fifth consecutive year.

Tiger Woods also is not in Hawaii this week, the first time he's skipped the Mercedes (an event limited to Tour winners from the previous season). After playing five "silly-season" events following last year's Tour Championship, he said he needed an off-season. Now he's not expected to return until he defends his Buick Invitational title at the end of January. Mercedes couldn't have liked this decision.

Another MIA this week is Retief Goosen. His thinking: I'm not playing in the Sony the following week, so why should I travel from South Africa to Hawaii for just one tournament? I'd rather spend the time with my family. My thinking: Make the journey and take the family with you. Your private jet makes travel and life much easier.

Padraig Harrington probably has the best excuse for missing this week, having gone through the emotional ringer in 2005. His father was diagnosed with cancer following Harrington's breakthrough Tour victory at the Honda Classic in which he won a playoff against Vijay Singh. Harrington's father passed away shortly after his second win of 2005 at the Barclays Classic. He decided that not playing in the season opener would help in his effort to recharge.

This week's winner will earn $1.08 million, an S500 Mercedes and a return trip for next season. Most of these short-field events have a payday of more than $1 million; most of us would give anything to make that kind of money for a week's work. Yet top players continue to take a pass -- and that's just fine for the golfers who do show up.