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 Clearance Shoes Australia . - Chris Tierney snapped a tie with a power-play goal late in the third period as the London Knights rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Erie Otters 5-3 in Ontario Hockey League action on Wednesday. Cheap Shoes Australia Free Shipping . Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. https://www.shoesaustraliaonline.com/ . All of the scoring came in the final 20:04. Lucic scored on a power play at 15:46 of the third period, when he tipped a shot over Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen for a 3-1 lead. Fake Shoes Australia . -- There were a lot of firsts for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Shoes Australia Outlet . The 15th-ranked Canadian men lost the opening two games of their European tour: 19-15 to No. 17 Georgia and 21-20 to No. Thursday, September 8West Coast ($1.22) vs. Western Bulldogs ($4.50), Domain Stadium at 8:10pmWest Coast:?B Brad Sheppard, Will Schofield, Thomas Barrass HB Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Sharrod Wellingham C Elliot Yeo, Matt Priddis, Jamie Cripps HF Mark LeCras, Jack Darling, Chris Masten F Jonathan Giles, Josh J. Kennedy, Josh Hill FOL Scott Lycett, Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey I/C Mitchell Brown, Dom Sheed, Sam Butler, Mark Hutchings EMG Jack Redden, Liam Duggan, Jackson Nelson IN Mitchell Brown OUT Lewis Jetta (Calf)Western Bulldogs:?B Shane Biggs, Joel Hamling, Matthew Boyd HB Jason Johannisen, Dale Morris, Easton Wood C Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Liam Picken HF Lin Jong, Zaine Cordy, Jake Stringer F Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Caleb Daniel FOL Jordan Roughead, Luke Dahlhaus, Josh Dunkley I/C Matthew Suckling, Jack Macrae, Clay Smith, Tom Liberatore EMG Tom Campbell, Toby McLean, Fletcher Roberts IN Easton Wood, Jake Stringer, Jordan Roughead, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore OUT Koby Stevens (Omitted), Fletcher Roberts (Omitted), Bailey Williams (Omitted), Nathan Hrovat (Omitted), Will Minson (Omitted)UBET verdict:?Cash has come thick and fast for the Eagles, who come into the finals in great form, winning nine of their past 10 games. At this stage, the only interest in the Bulldogs is with a head start of 27.5.Enter your ESPNfootytips AFL finals bracketFriday, September 9Geelong ($1.65) vs. Hawthorn ($2.27), MCG at 7:50pmGeelong:?B Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Tom Ruggles HB Jake Kolodjashnij, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie C Cameron Guthrie, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel HF Sam Menegola, Rhys Stanley, Daniel Menzel F Steven Motlop, Tom Hawkins, Lincoln McCarthy FOL Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan I/C Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy, Josh Cowan, Scott Selwood?EMG Jed Bews, Nakia Cockatoo, Shane Kersten IN Scott Selwood OUT Jed Bews (Omitted)Hawthorn:?B Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne HB Luke Hodge, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall C Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill HF Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli F Paul Puopolo, Jack Fitzpatrick, Ryan Schoenmakers FOL Ben McEvoy, Jordan Lewis, Liam Shiels I/C Ben Stratton, Brendan Whitecross, James Sicily, Ryan Burton, EMG Billy Hartung, Daniel Howe, Matt Spangher IN Ben McEvoy, Ben Stratton OUT Marc Pittonet (Omitted), Billy Hartung (Omitted)UBET verdict:?An even betting game at this stage, with a slight leaning towards Geelong in terms of head-to-head money in the tin. Value shoppers will like the fact the Hawks have won their last two finals against the CCats.ddddddddddddEnter your ESPNfootytips AFL finals bracketSaturday, September 10Sydney ($1.43) vs. Greater Western Sydney ($2.90), ANZ Stadium at 3:20pmSydney:?B Dane Rampe, Aliir Aliir, Nick Smith HB Jake Lloyd, Heath Grundy, Callum Mills C Isaac Heeney, Josh P. Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh HF Gary Rohan, Lance Franklin, George Hewett F Ben McGlynn, Kurt Tippett, Luke Parker FOL Sam Naismith, Kieren Jack, Dan Hannebery I/C Harrison Marsh, Tom Mitchell, Tom Papley, Xavier Richards?EMG Harry Cunningham, Jeremy Laidler, Toby Nankervis IN Callum Mills OUT Harry Cunningham (Omitted)GWS:?B Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes HB Joel Patfull, Adam Tomlinson, Nathan Wilson C Zac Williams, Callan Ward, Josh Kelly HF Toby Greene, Rory Lobb, Jeremy Cameron F Lachie Whitfield, Jonathon Patton, Devon Smith FOL Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio I/C Jacob Hopper, Steve Johnson, Tom Scully, Ryan Griffen?EMG Rhys Palmer, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Adam Kennedy IN No ChangeUBET verdict:?Early shoppers give the Giants some hope in their first ever finals appearance, backing them in from their opening quote of $3.00. Interestingly, there has been more money for GWS at the +15.5 line than for either team outright.Enter your ESPNfootytips AFL finals bracketAdelaide ($1.18) vs. North Melbourne ($5), Adelaide Oval at 7:40pmAdelaide:?B Jake Lever, Kyle Hartigan, Luke Brown HB Brodie Smith, Daniel Talia, Rory Laird C Rory Atkins, Rory Sloane, David Mackay HF Tom Lynch, Taylor Walker, Richard Douglas F Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Charlie Cameron FOL Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Matt Crouch I/C Brad Crouch, Kyle Cheney, Jarryd Lyons, Mitch McGovern EMG Riley Knight, Reilly OBrien, Ricky Henderson IN Brodie Smith, Rory Sloane OUT Ricky Henderson (Omitted), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Omitted)North Melbourne:?B Luke McDonald, Michael Firrito, Shaun Atley HB Jamie Macmillan, Robbie Tarrant, Nick Dal Santo C Sam Gibson, Ben Cunnington, Shaun Higgins HF Jack Ziebell, Ben Brown, Lachlan Hansen F Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas FOL Todd Goldstein, Daniel Wells, Andrew Swallow I/C Jed Anderson, Trent Dumont, Aaron Mullett, Majak Daw EMG Brad McKenzie, Ryan Clarke, Corey Wagner IN No ChangeUBET verdict:?Punters appear to be going the value way in early trade, specking the Kangaroos at their juicy opening price. Adelaide has won its last four home games against North and we expect the betting to level out closer to game day. ' ' '