For long, the US PGA Tour has been the standard-bearer for professional tours in the world.While that is likely to remain the case in the near future, the growing strength of the European Tour is persuading many pros to look east of the Atlantic.
Europe can boast some of the best golfers in the world, including top-ranked Lee Westwood, of England. Three of the major winners for 2010 are European or Europe-based.
In addition, Europe, under the captaincy of Colin Montgomerie, won the Ryder Cup from their American rivals.
Westwood, Northern Ireland's young sensation Rory McIlroy and US PGA Champion Martin Kaymer have decided not to join the PGA Tour next season.
The European Tour is also expanding around the world. For many years, they have had tournaments in Asia, which is a burgeoning golf market, taking in countries such as Hong Kong, China, India, Qatar and Dubai, among others.
The PGA Tour, meanwhile, had a small-scale golf event in Malaysia. Prize money in Europe has also increased significantly.
Probably the best thing that happened for the PGA Tour was Tiger Woods being in contention at the Chevron World Challenge recently, losing in a play-off to US Open champion Graeme McDowell, another European.
Figures suggest TV audiences surged for that tournament, only because Woods had a chance to win.
It is significant that when Woods has a bad year, so does the Tour. The PGA Tour certainly needs Woods to start winning again next season, unless, of course, Tiger decides to play in Europe.
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