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Mickelson Shelves Plans to Join European Tour
Saying he doesn't have enough time to commit to both the PGA and European tours, Phil Mickelson has dropped his plans of joining the European Tour.
The world's No. 3-ranked player, after top-ranked Tiger Woods and new No. 2, Sergio Garcia, had said that the European Tour's inaugural $10 million "Race to Dubai" could see him take up European Tour membership in 2009. Although he still plans to play in the opening event of the European Tour's 2009 calendar, the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai, Mickelson has decided to not make a full-time commitment to the overseas' circuit.
"I have not committed yet but it might be something I will look at next year; I am not ruling it out," he said. "I don't know the details, but I know that I am not quite ready to commit to it. I will know when I am ready to commit to the European Tour.
"I not only want to play the minimum, but really be a part of the tour so I am not ready to commit, but I am not going to rule it out as I think that is where the game is growing. It's something I will look at for 2010, but if something happened down the line this year I could reconsider. There are other ways to join. There are a number of co-sanctioned events like the majors and World Golf Championships that could give me the opportunity."
Even though that makes his involvement more difficult, Mickelson supports the European Tour's decision to increase the number of events needed for membership from 11 to 12. "I understand and agree with the decision to raise the required number of events," he said. "They have made great strides with the Race to Dubai and I understand why they want to protect their asset.
"It does not affect my decision. If I was going to play on the European Tour I would expect to play at least five events in addition to the four majors and three World Golf Championships so I think that would be a fair commitment."
Despite dropping plans to join the European Tour, Mickelson said he still wants to increase his international commitments, indicating he seeks to help grow the game around the world.
"I want to experience different cultures, I want my family to experience different cultures," the player known as "Lefty" said. "But I also want to take advantage of the global opportunities that are there for a professional golfer. It seems as though wealth is being created on an international basis and golf is growing internationally. I'd like to help with the growth as well as partake in its success."
