The weak field at Doral also reflects another shift. The money has grown so big so fast that it doesn't mean as much. The World Ranking, which determines who gets into the world events and even into some of the majors, has suddenly become more important. Now it's just average. We play for so much money, we've got to be fresh all year.
Golf is a business.
More than ever, Tour events are now hostages to their dates. If your event falls the week after an important tournament, don't expect a star-studded field. Sometimes good tournaments suffer, and this is a good tournament. This is a good golf course, and the field will come back. Maybe, maybe not.