G-Mac Takes PGA Tour Card; Euro Hero Status To Plunge?

But we will welcome the U.S. Open Champion with open arms!

"There's definitely going to be more of an American influence to my schedule for the first six months," McDowell explained.

"I want to give it a go next year because it's a non-Ryder Cup year and I would like to try to FedEx play-offs. I'll maybe not be quite as US-based as Luke Donald, Ian Poulter or Justin Rose, maybe like a Harrington-type schedule."

Comments

[Alex V]

Nice little whining by Westwood at the end of the article. Obviously doesn't like the fact that G-Mac is getting all of the Ryder Cup glory.

[thusgone]

good on him. why should he be denied a place at the fed ex trough?

[SGarrett]

Who is next to join PGATour for 2011? ET members currently eligible (more money than current #125 Webb Simpson on the member money list with earnings of $666,982) include...

Lee Westwood $3,564,954 (not accepting)
Martin Kaymer $2,356,460 (5 year exemption if he wants as major winner)
Charl Schwartzel $1,710,845 (one year - top 125 money list)
Louis Oosthuizen $1,431,427 (5 year exemption as a major money winner)
Robert Karlsson $1,030,920 (one year - top 125 money list)
Gregory Havret $810,000 (possible one year - money list)**
Edoardo Molinari $770,018 (possible one year - money list)*

* Molinari "may" not remain above #125 at year-end after the remaining 4 fall finish events.

** Havret would be slightly nuts to accept membership because he is not currently ranked highly enough to get into a lot of the Majors and WGCs that count toward both ET's 11 event minimum and PGATour's 15 event minimum. So, dual tour logistics would be daunting.

This year could represent a very large talent drain for ET and a large talent increase for PGATour.

[SGarrett]

Oops.

This line above - Louis Oosthuizen $1,431,427 (5 year exemption as a major money winner)

Should read - Louis Oosthuizen $1,431,427 (5 year exemption as a major winner)

[Del the Funk]

Why would any qualified player decline membership and and deny themselves the option? Just because they accept doesn't mean they are forced to actually play a full schedule (but they will have access to the invitationals if they are high enough up on the list). But if they do accept and some good stuff happens then they can ramp up in the US as needed to take advantage of potential opportunities/bonuses. If not, just let membership expire at the end of the year.

What am I missing?

[SGarrett]

There is a penalty for accepting membership for an upcoming year and not completing the 15 event requirement. Remember Michael Campbell after his US Open win?

[digsouth]

If the ET was not so spread out travel wise, I could understand wanting to remain a participant of ET events only, save the majors, but with the travel to the East, Africa, ec, there is no incentive to not travel to the US.

[Longy]

Hasn't G-Mac's status gone through the roof.

Graeme who after the US Open

Cult fugure after Mahan flubs a chip in an exhibition event.

I'm on board though. He's a pro

[Del the Funk]

SGarrett. what's the worst they could do, revoke Tour membership? Seriously, think about it dude, get your head in the game.

[x]

Come make that money son!

[Tom]

I see that Justin Rose has resigned from the ET.... but only temporarily.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/golf/9069852.stm
Maybe that "niggling wrist injury" contributed to his not being picked for the RC team.
And (for the cynics here) maybe George O'Grady is cutting him some slack so as not to lose him permanently.

[tlavin]

G Mac seems like a great guy. It would be nice to see him win some events and not just luxuriate in the glory of his one major win. He'd look good in a green jacket, methinks.