e has a good future to look forward to - and perhaps a Ryder Cup berth in Darren Clarkes side for September.As we head into this hectic major spell, the wo

Ewen Murray reflects on a number of high-profile absentees at the BMW PGA Championship and looks ahead to an action-packed summer of golf. With the first five months of the golfing season behind us, our sport gets ready for a frenetic period with three majors in seven weeks, followed by golfs return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.Englands Danny Willett has tucked away The Masters, Jason Day has The Players Championship and more recently, Chris Wood claimed the prestigious BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy have been grouped together for the first two rounds of the Memorial tournament in Ohio this week A strong talking point at the European Tour headquarters in Surrey was the absence of several of the Tours top players, and Im not alone in being disappointed there were so many absentees.The BMW PGA has a purse of five million euros, its played at one of our historic venues, its our base and the fans - well over 100,000 of them - poured through the gates to enjoy the spring sunshine and an event that always has drama from start to finish.This years edition was no different. Although injured, Justin Rose flew over to England to show his respect for his home Tour and was genuinely disappointed he was unable to play, but what about the no shows? Im aware the top players cannot play every week, but there are some events that should be sacrosanct and the BMW PGA is one of these. Ewen Murray on Wentworth These are members who cut their teeth in Europe and have banked millions of euros in the process. That of course is mainly down to their sterling play, but there is more to it than that.Its not that long ago less than a handful of our players would be exempt from playing in the three American majors. The Tour, then under the guidance of Ken Schofield and his successor George OGrady, moved mountains for that to change.Their perseverance was eventually rewarded, but only after much hard work and lengthy negotiations. The Tour would not be what it is today without their diligence and work ethic. Their relationship with the sponsors and their involvement in improving courses has grown the affiliation Europe has with the other world tours, which could well fashion the future. European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley announced there are changes planned for Wentworth Then there is a gilt-edged sponsor in the shape of BMW. The Bavarian Motor Works hosts Tour events in its homeland, England, Italy, South Africa and China. They form a large part of the nucleus that is at the centre of our tournament calendar.The missing players at Wentworth are handsomely paid by various manufacturers to promote clubs, clothing, golf balls and other equipment. This can be done because the fans like to use what their favourite players use.Im aware the top players cannot play every week, but there are some events that should be sacrosanct and the BMW PGA is one of these. I, and many others, see it on a similar level to the Players at Sawgrass. Jason Day eased to a wire-to-wire victory at TPC Sawgrass last month I wonder what the PGA Tour commissioner, Tim Finchem, would have said had Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson decided to bypass Ponte Vedra?The worry for the future is that the fans might chose to bypass Wentworth. From next year, to be a member of the European Tour, it should be mandatory in my opinion to play in the spring showcase event.In getting that off my chest, take nothing away from this years champion, Chris Wood. 29 shots for the front nine on Sunday was a Herculean effort. Yes, there were some moments of uncertainty on the back nine, but Wentworth is a total examination of a players skill, make-up and nerve. Down the decades, even the golfing greats have come undone over that notorious stretch for home. Chris Wood claimed a narrow one-shot win at the BMW PGA Championship Chris is a popular winner. He has had several annoying injuries in past years and with that behind him, he has a good future to look forward to - and perhaps a Ryder Cup berth in Darren Clarkes side for September.As we head into this hectic major spell, the worlds top three players are in blistering form. Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth have all won their last events. Day was top at Sawgrass, McIlroy in Ireland and Spieth, with six birdies on the final nine holes, enjoyed a hometown win at the Colonial in Fort Worth.All of this adds to the anticipation and excitement of the US Open at Oakmont in Pennsylvania. This is a fearsome course where only the very best will do. Add to that the probability of searing heat and greens that run at 13+ on the stimpmeter, and this will be the ultimate test. The US Open returns to the historic Oakmont Country Club Thirteen European members made it through to the US Open last Monday at Walton Heath. Each and every one of them will hope they can emulate New Zealander Michael Campbell, who qualified there 11 years ago in last place. Days later, he held the trophy aloft at Pinehurst in North Carolina - the stuff of dreams!Royal Troon in Ayrshire hosts this years Open - a month after the years second major - and Sky Sports viewers will be treated to coverage never seen before. Sky Sports 1 HD will be dedicated entirely to The Open for 10 days.For the first time, the opening tee shots of this years Championship will be shown live in the UK and Ireland. In the run-up to the start of the 145th edition of this championship that began in 1860, practise rounds will be aired and in the evening from Thursday through to Sunday, Sky will show comprehensive highlights of the days play. Add to that, history sections and documentaries along with innovative shows will offer The Open the coverage it deserves. The Channel launches on July 11.Because of this years Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the seasons last major, the PGA Championship at Baltusrol in New Jersey, begins just 10 days after The Open is concluded.The last time we were there for this event, Phil Mickelson won on a Monday morning after storms interrupted play over the four days. Baltusrol is long and demanding and like the US Open, it will produce a fine champion. There are some significant events in between the next two majors. France celebrates the 100th playing of their Open at the magnificent Le Golf National by Guyancourt, near Versailles. This Robert Von Hagge and Hubert Chesneau masterpiece will also host the Ryder Cup in 2018.The week after, the Capital of the Highlands will take centre stage for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. The splendid Castle Stuart is the venue again after a couple of years at Royal Aberdeen and the hugely impressive Gullane, where Rickie Fowler won in dramatic fashion last year.So get ready for a fabulous summer of golf. Im sure there will be some amazing storylines in the weeks ahead. Also See: Day ready for Memorial test The Open channel on Sky Sports Golf live on Sky Sports Memorial ways to watch Steven Stamkos Jersey . Scott won the Australian PGA last week in his first event in Australia since winning the U.S. Masters in April. American Matt Kuchar, ahead by two strokes with four to play and even with Scott with one to go, double-bogeyed the 18th after taking two shots to get out of a bunker. Ondrej Palat Jersey . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. http://www.cheaplightningjerseys.com/?tag=adidas-brayden-point-jersey . The 31-year-old Spain midfielder hasnt played since Madrid lost in the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid in May due to back and foot injuries. Cheap Lightning Jerseys China . The (11-11-4) Jets are seventh in the Central Division with 26 points. Fifth place Dallas and sixth-seeded Nashville also have 26 points, but the Stars have three games in hand on Winnipeg while Nashville has two. Nikita Kucherov Jersey .J. -- Marty Brodeur beat the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again. PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray is out three-to-six weeks with a broken hand.Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford announced the injury Saturday on the second day of training camp.Murray broke his right hand while playing for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey. Murray said he jammed his thumb in North Americas loss to Russia on Monday and was held out of its game on Wednesday.The 22-year-old went 15-6 withh a 2.dddddddddddd08 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in the playoffs last spring as the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. This injury makes it unlikely Murray will be available for opening night against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 13 when the Penguins raise the fourth Cup banner in franchise history. ' ' '