Players will be required to play 12 rather than 11 events to gain European Tour membership from next season.
Stricter membership rules announced ahead of 'Race to Dubai'
The European Tour players' committee have announced that the number of events a player will be required to play to gain membership will be increased from 11 to 12 from next year - with two of those needing to be in continental Europe.
The changes were made at a committee meeting on Tuesday night at St Andrews and followed reports that a number of US-based players, world number two Phil Mickelson amongst them, were considering joining the European circuit when its new-look 'Race to Dubai' is launched next season.
That tournament, the Dubai World Championship, takes place in November and will be the richest in world golf, open to only the top 60 players on the European Order of Merit.
As things stood, US-based players such as Mickelson could have qualified without setting foot in Europe with all major and World Golf Championship events all counting towards the membership.
However, the new demand promises to affect a number of established European stars also with Open and USPGA champion Padraig Harrington, like Sergio Garcia, still to play in continental Europe this year.
The Volvo Masters in Spain at the end of this month will be Harrington's one and only, while Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey have played only one each.
Tour chief executive George O'Grady defended the regulations, though, and insisted it was a fair way to back the huge investment the Tour had been granted.
Positive discussion
"It was a very positive discussion by the committee, who reviewed all aspects of the Tour and took into account the current economic situation," he stated.
"They felt this was a correct way to recognise the support of the founding body of the European Tour in Europe.
"It is a stepping stone, and they will continue to review the situation on an annual basis."
Committee chairman Thomas Bjorn added: "Over the years, the seasons have been extended so much - and we also think that, with a 13-month season coming up, it is reasonable to put the number up by one.
"It is not a big 'ask' to play 12 events, especially when a lot of those guys in question (who may want to join the European Tour) play four majors and three World Golf Championship events anyway.
"It was never a big 'ask' - it was just time to change."
Asked whether they had debated increasing the membership number further, Bjorn said: "No, 12 was always the preferred number. But we will keep it under review."
