It seems the same committee that gave us the laughable handicapped Tour Championship have deemed match play a product they can do without.

As of this morning Australian time, head-to-head golf at the top levels of the game is a thing of the past.

The news didn’t come as a shock as it has been known for some time. But in the same way you can know an elderly relative is going to pass soon, it doesn’t change the stark reality when the moment arrives.

If social media is a guide, the golf world seems unusually united in its belief that match play should have a place at the top table though there seems no rush for those in charge to do anything about it.

It’s long been known the format is the least favourite of most players and is also problematic for sponsors and TV executives alike.

"A golden opportunity exists right now for the PGA Tour to right a couple of significant wrongs in one fell swoop. Sadly, one has zero confidence they will do it." - Rod Morri. 

And so the Tour seems more than happy to let the event die a natural death despite its popularity with fans, an unfortunately all too common stance for those at Ponte Vedra.

However, there is an obvious and perfect solution to two separate problems here and while it is almost unthinkable the Tour will take it there would be much faith restored in their stewardship if they did.

Even before the Match Play died there were more than a few who suggested the season long FedExCup should be decided by head-to-head golf.

Two players who’ve earned their way into the top-30 at year’s end going one-on-one for an unfeasible pot of money would be compelling in a way neither the current Tour Championship (or indeed the WGC Match Play event) ever have been.

There are any number of ways to whittle down the field of-30 to the final two but regardless of the system it would restore some competitive integrity to a tournament that desperately needs it.

And the return of match play might even draw some good publicity for FedEx. That would be nice given their extraordinary loyalty to a concept that has never caught on.

One of the main lessons of sport over decades has been that the more you try to manipulate the outcome to drive interest or profit the more you water down what draws people to the sport in the first place.

A golden opportunity exists right now for the PGA Tour to right a couple of significant wrongs in one fell swoop. Sadly, one has zero confidence they will do it.