The European Tour's attempt to challenge the supremacy of its American equivalent could be boosted by the participation of world number two Phil Mickelson at some point in the future.
Mickelson, who previously has played only rarely outside the United States, is thinking of joining the global circuit in the not too distant future, according to sources close to the player.
His manager, Steve Loy of Gaylord Sports, has left the door open to the possibility.
"Phil is not considering joining the European Tour at this time, but it is an option in the future, given the global nature of professional golf," Loy said today.
Mickelson's membership would be a massive boost to the European Tour, which is using its international schedule and some deep-pocketed multi-national sponsors to challenge the once all-dominant American PGA Tour.
Mickelson is believed to be considering the move due to several factors, including his sponsorship deal with Barclays Bank, the naming-rights sponsor of the Scottish and Singapore Opens.
The Scottish Open is already a European Tour event, while talks are under way for the Singapore Open, currently a stand-alone Asian Tour event, to become part of the European Tour next year.
Mickelson last year played both tournaments and will do so again this year. He also will take part in the HSBC Champions tournament in China, which offers massive appearance money.
If the Singapore Open does join the European Tour, he would need only to add one more tournament to his schedule to meet the tour's minimum requirement of 11 events - he already plays the four majors and three World Golf Championships events.
And the new US dollars 10 million (Ј5.1million) season-ending event to be held in Dubai next year, the equivalent of the US Tour Championship, would be the ideal 11th tournament.
One possible hitch is that the European Tour is considering increasing its minimum event requirement to 13 tournaments, which would make it less likely that Mickelson would join.
Even if he accepts membership, the three-time major winner would still play mainly in the United States, although his decision might concern the American Tour as representing the possible start of a trend.
Mickelson, who turns 38 next month, has recently spoken about how the future growth of golf is outside the United States, an indication perhaps that he is willing to travel more internationally.
South African Ernie Els and Australian Adam Scott, respectively ranked third and fourth in the world, are already European Tour members.
If Mickelson joins, he would make it three out of four, although world number one Tiger Woods has previously insisted he has no plans to become a member.
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