Darren Clarke,
who finished second on the European Tour's Order of Merit last year and is ranked 11th in the world, says the higher playing standards on the PGA Tour have convinced him to play more tournaments in America this year.
"The standard there is a bit higher than on the European Tour, and that would obviously be beneficial for my game," Clarke said on the eve of the first round of the South African Open at the East London Golf Club.
"I'll probably give it a go this year. If you don't try it, you don't know how good you are. The PGA Tour is where the world's best golfers are playing.
"It's a chance to compete against the best. It's not about the money. It's about competing against the best and trying to win tournaments," Clarke said.
The Tyroneman proved his ability to adapt to the conditions on the PGA Tour when he became the first European to win one of the World Golf Championships by capturing the Andersen Consulting Matchplay last year.
But Clarke says he will not be adopting the strict exercise regimes of some of the PGA Tour's leading professional golfers.
"Fitness and weight seems to be an issue in the game right now, but I'm quite happy the way I am. I lost a little bit towards the end of last year, but I'm happy enough on the golf course."
Clarke says his main aim for the new year is to improve on his short game and be more relaxed on the golf course.
"My putting was average last year, and I wasted too many shots around the greens. As a result, I didn't win as much as I would've liked. I want to win more tournaments this year.
"I was also trying too hard last year. This year, I'd like to be more relaxed on the golf course," he said. REUTERS