Skins Game removed from golfing calendar

INDIAN WELLS, Calif., May 8 (UPI) -- The Skins Game, a golfing tradition since the peak of Arnold Palmer's career, has been canceled for 2009, organizers said.

The (Palm Springs, Calif.) Desert Sun reported Friday that poor television ratings and the weak economy had forced sponsors of the event to remove it from this year's golfing exhibition schedule. The event, a four-player, two-day tournament, has been played on Thanksgiving weekend since Palmer and Jack Nicklaus first popularized it.

Organizers told the Desert Sun there is hope the event can be brought back in 2010. It was to have been held at the Indian Wells Golf Resort in California.

At the Skins Game, money is awarded to the player who records the best score on each hole. If two or more players tie for the best score, the money for that hole is carried over to the next one.

K.J. Choi won last year's tournament, defeating Phil Mickelson, Rocco Mediate and Stephen Ames.