Americans on the European Tour

[USER1999]

It seems the European tour has pushed up the number of qualifying events that you would have to play to be a member from 11 to 12 in order to push out some of the Yanks who wanted a share of the Race to Dubai money.

Now, given that the 4 majors count, and the 3 WGC events (so 6 events in the USA), you only need to play 5 events on the actual tour to qualify.

The European tour is now pretty global, so I am sure some of the yanks won't have to travel too far to play in those 5 events (those that have passports that is).

Is this a good thing? Does the European tour need Phil M and Jim Furyk, Vijay, etc to succeed, or can it continue it's expansion without them? In terms of TV viewing it might be nice to see some more top players on the Euro tour, but is this at the expense of seeing new Europeans who might crack it big time if left to prosper?

12 events (or 5 that they wouldn't normally play) doesn't seem much to me, it should be more.

 

[IM01]

You need the top guys playing to keep the sponsors happy.
There are some good guys out there who are not totally driven by the financial rewards on offer.

See Camillo Villegas is coming to play in Sergio's event at the end of the month(Castello Masters I think)
...as way of a thankyou for gifting him the play-off in the Tour Championship???

 

[viscount17]

I think it more likely that you will see some of the younger players coming over, Kim, Villegas - those who aren't afraid of any track. but if JB comes I pray for some referees with the guts to clock him!

 

[USER1999]

Is this not heading towards amalgamating the two tours (this may be a good thing, maybe not)? It seems to me it is just greed because there is a bigger pot on offer.

 

[viscount17]

can't see amalgamating the two tours as good. there are still only so many weeks, still only 4 days to hold the match so still only so many players. So you siphon off the best and worst of each tour and create what? A European version of the Nationwide?

No we need to up the quality of the European, whether by a bigger purse, or tougher, high quality courses (so that some of the US tracks are seen for what they are) or both.

 

[SammmeBee]

I would expect so to chase the cash but don't expect to see many play in 'Europe'......

 

[USER1999]

Exactly, they will pick those events (emirates / Dubai desert classic, etc) where the weather is good, and the prize money is high, and doesn't clash with any of the bigger US tournaments. They won't come to wet old Britain. (mind you, neither do half of the British golfers either).

 

[vig]

I saw an interview with Thomas Bjorn and he said that the number had been a compromise as some wanted more qualifying events. He also stated that a certain number of events had to be played in europe (5 i think) because that was the core of the tour.
I personally think the greedy B******s wouldn't come if it wasn't for the lure of the cash.
I'm reasonably happy for the leading players to come but some of the dross that make up the numbers in the US can stay there for me. I'd much rather give some of the up and coming players from this side of the pond a chance

 

[Dodger]

2 counting events must be played on the european continent....not sure if the Open counts as one but I dont think so.
I really do not think we will see many top men coming but possibly younger up and coming ons.Shame as would be great to see Phil and Tiger on our shores more but really cannot see it.

 

[Imurg]

Heard another whisper that Big John Daly is going to try his luck. Should be good for a giggle..

 

[viscount17]

he's been entertaining and might be good for a giggle but that's all nowadays; otherwise a waste of an opportunity for someone on the way up.