Lefty lured by Euro cash

Mickelson: Intends to travel more

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Phil Mickelson has re-iterated his desire to play in more European Tour-sanctioned events in 2009.

With the game of golf becoming increasingly global, the American is keen to gain further experience outside of the United States that could see him become a member of the European Tour.

The world number two will need to take part in four European events in addition to the four majors and three World Golf Championship events if he is to qualify for the inaugural Race to Dubai in 2009, which offers a first prize of $1.6 million.

"I may play an additional four or five, I'm not sure exactly how many," he said. "I'm not sure on my status as far as becoming a European Tour member but I'm certainly considering it.

"With my kids being older, last year I went to Singapore and China and brought them with me and we were able to use that as an educational couple of weeks.

"With our tour season ending earlier it gives me three months in the off-season to isolate a couple of weeks when I can go and play, and I intend to.

"I would like to play more on an international level. I'd like to play more in Europe."

Meanwhile, Lee Westwood admits he will not be playing in the United States as much as before after criticising the scheduling of the World Golf Championship events.

The Ryder Cup star said he is unlikely to be taking part in the Accenture World Match play in Tucson in February after failing to get past the second round in five attempts.

"It doesn't really fit in with all the stuff I want to do around it," he added. "It messes up your schedule for the next couple of weeks as well with it being an eight-hour or seven-hour time change.

"At some point you just have to evaluate it. I was thinking about missing it this year but I ended up going."

And with all the WGC events taking place across the Atlantic of late, Westwood - who is no longer a member of the PGA Tour - added: "I'll wait until they play the world events around the world!"