Kaymer opts to stay in Europe

A momentous time for European golf just got even better – Martin Kaymer has followed Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy in turning down membership of the American PGA Tour next season.

The sport’s newest major champion made his decision known today at the Dubai World Championship, where on Sunday he hopes to be crowned the European Tour’s leading money-winner this season and maybe world number one as well.

Kaymer, now an honorary member of the Tour along with US Open champion Graeme McDowell and Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, lives part of the year in Arizona, but even that was not enough to prompt him to play both circuits in 2011.

“I consider European Tour as my home – that is where I feel comfortable,” said the 25-year-old German.

“I think you play against the best players in the world. You have all of the great players here and schedule-wise it doesn’t fit for me next year to play on the PGA Tour.”

Asked if he had received a call from a crying Tim Finchem, the US Tour commissioner, Kaymer added: “Not yet. Maybe I’ll get one on Monday.

“I made my decision. I sat down last week with my manager and family and had a look at the schedule. I will play probably two or three more events in America, but mainly I will play in Europe.”

Westwood, who replaced Tiger Woods at the top of the rankings almost a month ago, has put family first, while McIlroy has handed in his US Tour membership after just one season because he was missing Europe so much.

So at a time when the United States needs all the stars they can get just like every other circuit, their own rules will now limit the amount Kaymer, Westwood and McIlroy can put in appearances.

“I would have thought they would want as many of the top world-ranked players playing in their events as possible,” said Westwood, whose only trips to the States now will be for three majors, three world championships, the Players Championship and three others.

As members, the trio would be required to play a minimum of 15 tournaments – 14 if you do not count the Open.

George O’Grady, the chief executive of the European Tour, was understandably jubilant on hearing Kaymer’s news.

Their minimum number has just been increased from 12 to 13 and he said: “Naturally enough we’re delighted he’s going to show us such full support.

“The dates set a tough challenge for everybody on where they play and we’ve always said to players that you must do what’s right for your development as a player.

“To be a great golfer you’ve got to be a great player in America as well, but you are going to go there for the three majors if you are at that level, three world championships and other ones.

“Playing the European Tour gives you those opportunities. They can play anywhere in the world now.”

With the Ryder Cup in the trophy room as well, this has unquestionably been the greatest year ever for the European Tour.

Now the season comes to its climax with both Kaymer and McDowell, his only challenger for the ’Race to Dubai’ money list title, both having the chance to earn more than €2m this weekend.

The tournament first prize is almost €920,000 and the bonus for becoming the Tour’s number one is €1.1m.

Westwood captured both last season, but although Kaymer is just out of reach for him this time – something he discovered only today – he has his position as world number one to defend against the German.

Kaymer needs a top-two finish to have a chance of replacing him, while in the money list race the US PGA champion is nearly €295,000 clear of McDowell, his only challenger, and will take the prize as long as the Northern Irishman finishes outside the top three this weekend.

“When I turned pro I had three goals in my career – to win a major, to play and win the Ryder Cup and to become the number one in Europe,” stated Kaymer.

“Two-thirds are done and to do everything in one year would be fantastic.”