All change in race to Dubai

Anybody wanting either to join the European Tour or to stay a member of it is going to have to plan their schedule a lot more carefully next season when the new Race To Dubai tees off to replace the current Order of Merit.

Not only has the minimum number of events required for membership been increased from 11 to 12, but there is also a stipulation that at least two of them have to be tournaments played in continental Europe.

The changes were made at a players’ committee meeting at St Andrews on Tuesday night and followed reports that world number two Phil Mickelson was among a number of US Tour-based players thinking of joining the European circuit.

The Tour launches its new-look Race to Dubai in just over a month, culminating in the world’s richest event at Jumeirah Golf Estates next November.

That tournament, the $10 million Dubai World Championship, is open only to the leading 60 players on the Race to Dubai – and as things stood, Mickelson and the others could have become eligible without stepping foot in Europe.

But the new demand also affects some European stars.

Open and PGA champion Padraig Harrington, for instance, has not played a continental event so far this season; nor has Sergio Garcia.

UNDER REVIEW

Tour chief executive George O’Grady said: "The committee, felt this was a correct way to recognise the support of the founding body of the European Tour in Europe."

The committee chairman, Dubai-based Tour Professional Thomas Bjorn, added: "Over the years, the seasons have been extended so much – and we also think that, with a 13-month season coming up, it is reasonable to put the number up by one.

"It is not a big ‘ask’ to play 12 events, especially when a lot of those guys in question [who may want to join the European Tour] play four majors and three World Golf Championship events anyway.

"It was never a big ask - it was just time to change."

Asked whether a larger minimum number of tournaments was considered, he stated: "No, 12 was always the preferred number. But we will keep it under review."