Brother, can you spare a ride?

HONOLULU, Hawaii -- New economic realities continue to rear up on the PGA Tour. The latest: no courtesy cars at the San Diego Open.

When was the last time that happened?

The tour stop at Torrey Pines GC where Phil Mickelson will make his season debut and where the Absent One, Tiger Woods, usually does likewise, is without a title sponsor after Buick pulled out last year due to the financial struggles of General Motors. Buick, of course, provided cars to the players during its 18-year run and also was the primary sponsor on Woods's bag until last year.

A notice posted in the lockerroom at Waialae CC, the site of this week's Sony Open in Hawaii, informs the players of the bad news. However, the tournament is partnering with Enterprise/National to provide rental cars at a discounted rate. Players merely need to identify themselves as contestants of the San Diego Open.

-- Dave Shedloski