Finchem plays down Woods fear

Finchem: The game goes on

We are going to be successful in 2010 whether he is out for a couple of months, eight months or the year.

Tim Finchem
Quotes of the week

Also see

• EuroTour Schedule
• World Rankings
• Golf live on Sky Sports

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem believes golf will bounce back from the loss of Tiger Woods over the coming months.

The world number one has taken an indefinite break from the game following revelations surrounding his private life, sparking concern that viewing figures will slump with companies withdraw advertising and sponsorship.

"I don't see corporate America backing away from golf over Tiger's issues," said Finchem.

"At the end of the day after all the media scrutiny, if he can successfully deal with those issues and come back that will be a positive thing.

"When you look back on the last 13 years Tiger Woods has been an incredibly positive asset and impactor for the PGA Tour.

"He has been good for the game and the Tour has been good for him. At this time we anticipate that mutual benefit will continue when it is right and we just have to see how that plays out."

Misleading

Finchem added that the game's popularity remained high when Woods missed nine months following knee surgery last year, and believes the loss of his main draw is no cause for alarm.

"We are going to be successful in 2010 whether he is out for a couple of months, eight months or the year," he said.

"It won't be at the same level - it wouldn't be in any sport losing its top player - but I think the doom and gloom needs to go away. I think it's misleading for our fans.

"We are going to have a full schedule, a solid schedule and prize money will be up slightly.

"Here is the real world. I know some pundits will say 'Tim is trying to spin things' but facts are facts."