Players Split over Which Tour to Choose

Following Rory McIlroy's decision to play on the European Tour next season, more European players have said that they will have to think seriously hard about where they commit to play in the upcoming seasons.

The 21-year old Northern Irishman said it was his part in the victorious team at Celtic Manor that helped him change his mind about playing over in America.

"There was camaraderie out there and I got to know the European guys better," McIlroy said.

"If you're not playing well in the United States then it can be lonely, but over here you have your mates."

He added: "I found myself thinking during the play-offs for FedEx Cup, not wanting to be there. I switched on the Golf Channel and watched the event in Switzerland and felt I wanted to be there.

"I'll still play 11 or 12 tournaments out there, but not as a member."

He went on to say that he wanted to be near to his girlfriend, who is at University and the house they share together back in Ireland.

The decision comes just weeks after the new World Number one Lee Westwood, committed his future to the European Tour after rejecting his full time card to the PGA Tour.

The Worksop golfer said he will "do what's right for him now and he has no reason to move".

Following on from that Ian Poulter has said this morning that he may have to choose between the two tours after the European Tour moved their quota of mandatory events from 12 to 13.

Poulter said the choice has become increasingly hard to make:

"I have a house over in the States and my family is well settled over there, but then you can't deny playing two tours is becoming increasingly difficult, especially with the European Tour number you have to play going up.

"It was 11 events two years ago before it went to 12 and now it's up to 13, and that's on top of having to play the mandatory 15 across the 'Pond'."

Asked about McIlroy's decision, Poulter was adamant that he is making the right decision:

"Rory's young and he's got plenty of time to play wherever he wants," said the world number 15.

"He's top 10 in the world and he is going to stay top 10 in the world for a long time but then Lee Westwood has done exactly the same. He's now world number one so it hasn't harmed him not playing over there."

On the other hand the two European major winners of this year have both said they will be spending more time in the States. Graeme McDowell already has his PGA card and will be definitely be competing in more than the 15 events needed.

Martin Kaymer has said that he is 100% focused on winning this seasons Race to Dubai but will consider the option of playing more events on the more lucrative PGA Tour.