The Champions Tour ought to follow the lead of the LPGA Tour on one vital issue. The men's 50-and-over circuilt needs to install and vigorously enforce a rule like the one the women's tour has: Every golfer has to play in every tour stop at least once every four years.
If they don't it should be a five-figure fine. And if they keep missing, the fine should increase.
It is the only way to ensure the lifeblood of a loyal event such as the Commerce Bank Championship, which is tied for third for longevity on a tour that exists in tribute to longevity (you've got to be 50 to play). Sorry to repeat myself (I mentioned this at the end of the Commerce last year), but I feel strongly about it. This is the only regular pro golf event on Long Island every year and it deserves love from guys who are making a grand living on the Champions Tour.
Maybe it's too late for Long Island anyway. Commerce is not going to renew its sponsorship and there is no new title sponsor lined up. If organizers can't come up with a consortium of businesses to meet the $4 million required to host it for next year, the Long Island event will go the way of former Champions Tour events in Westchster and New Jersey. Those, you might notice, are extinct.
It would help if the tour could make sure big names came to town once in a while. Too bad if players don't like coming to New York. Tough it out and show up once in four years. It's inexcusable that Tom Watson has made zero career appearances in this event, considering he has made a fortune on this tour. It's pathetic that Fuzzy Zoeller once flew in for an appearance and got out of town before the tournament started.
Guys like those two owe it to the tour to support the sponsors, organizers, officials, volunteers and fans who keep their business going.