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We all have ways to mourn the loss of loved ones. I have a friend whose family looks at funerals as celebrations, and everyone gets drunk. Stories are told, stories are retold. There's the somber grievance approach, too. And there are all kinds of ways between, beyond and whatever works, whatever fits, seems fitting.

We all have ways to mourn the loss of loved ones; I'm not compelled to talk about the many ways and certainly not to pass judgment on them, but an Ian Woosnam quote responding to Paul McGinley's decision to withdraw from this week's PGA Championship so he can go to the funeral of his friend, Heather Clarke, who died Sunday of cancer, is irksome, especially in light of Padraig Harrington's approach to the unfortunate situation---he will donate his earnings from the year's final major to a charity of Darren Clarke's choice.

Here's the aforementioned quote from Woosnam, captain of this year's European Ryder Cup team: "I can understand what he's doing. That's up to Paul. I know he's very close to the family. Would Heather want Paul to do that, though?"

It must be noted that Darren Clarke, according to published reports, has urged other players to play this week.

Now here's McGinley on the decision to play: "Some things are more important than the Ryder Cup. It was not really a big decision, it was a decision made quite easily, to be honest. Our families are very much intertwined."

Athletes and public figures get quoted out of context all the time. I don't want to do that. But questioning, in any way that is public (i.e., with a quick search, the aforementioned quotes appeared on many reputable web sites), McGinley's choice not to play this week strikes me as inconsiderate, at least.

We don't often get unabridged thoughts from athletes (see Alex Rodriguez for the confounding and incommensurately abridged), so Harrington's take---not just because he might donate more than a million to charity if he wins---is especially appealing: "I'd be delighted to hand whatever over this week. Obviously, not being able to attend the funeral (is unfortunate but) when you go to funerals you can't be of much help anyway. This is at least a practical way of helping."

Extending from the practical, there are more important things, in life or death, than seedings for the Ryder Cup. More important things than any golf tournament.

So here we are. The fourth and last main event. How quickly chances of Mickelson sweeping the majors dissipated at the U.S. open. I can't be the only Jones out there who cursed hospitality tents the way I curse luxury boxes: I bet he would have got up and down from a lava flow lie instead of the "friendly" hop. Doesn't ultimately matter, anyone deserved to win in that debacle.

Now it's Tiger. Whence Vijay? Still putting woes. All three have won the PGA, but so have Shaun Micheel, Rich Beem and Mark Brooks.

Last week: I was kicking myself all week for picking Stewart Cink in the head-to-head over Sergio Garcia and not in the outright, as Cink had his chances to win The International. He ended up fifth, though, which got me the H2H win and kept the old second guessing at bay. At 21-20, one unit down, I netted a unit and change ($1050), which covered the loss on the outright picks---Justin Leonard, Camilo Villegas and Daniel Chopra, who all missed the cut. Dean Wilson (the winner) and Tom Lehman (place), did not miss the cut. Go figure. Anyway, I finished up a fraction for the week, keeping my season total at -24 units.

At this week's last biggie, the PGA Championship, Take David Toms (40-1), 1/6 unit: This is a pick. Toms has also won one of these. And he's quietly putting together an I may not be in the top echelon, but I can play kind of year, with a win at the Sony Open and eight top-20s since, including his T19 at last week's International. Under the radar.

Take Angel Cabrera (66-1), 1/6 unit: Always want to keep him in mind for a major because he finds a way to score. Putting is iffy, but putting was way more iffy for Lehman, and he finished second last week. Office poolsters would be wise to take Cabrera with a third pick.

Take Tiger Woods (15-8), 1/6 unit: I'm not going to lose not taking him. Worth the risk on cashing in on a long shot. He's back in a big way. Geoff Ogilvy can kiss away any chance of not being a spectator in his pairing with Woods and Mickelson, solid as he is.

In the head-to-head, take Toms to finish higher than Kenny Perry: Yes, Perry can still use a driver like it's a medieval implement of force ... and do it with accuracy, but the putting is atrocious: this is a major.

About the Author

Jeremy Church is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Jeremy_Church.htm