World number two Phil Mickelson has yet to be lured to Europe by the lucrative Race to Dubai, but the three-time major winner is weighing up his future schedule options. Mickelson will tomorrow begin the defence of the HSBC Champions title he won in dramatic fashion last year.
The event marks the start of the 2009 international schedule, as well as heralding the new era of European golf aimed at rivalling the FedEx Cup in the 38-year-old's native America.
Last year Mickelson claimed his first title outside America since 1993 when he won at Sheshan International Golf Club after defeating English duo Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood in a play-off.
But despite the €8 million on offer for the season-ending Dubai World Championship next November for the top 60 players and the bonus of an additional €8 million for the top-15 money earners, Mickelson would not confirm his future plans.
"I have not committed yet but it might be something I will look at next year; I am not ruling it out," he said. "I don't know the details, but I know that I am not quite ready to commit to it. I will know when I am ready to commit to the European Tour
"I not only want to play the minimum, but really be a part of the tour so I am not ready to commit, but I am not going to rule it out as I think that is where the game is growing.
"It's something I will look at for 2010, but if something happened down the line this year I could reconsider. There are other ways to join. There are a number of co-sanctioned events like the majors and World Golf Championships that could give me the opportunity."
Last year, in addition to the four majors and three World Golf Championships events, Mickelson played just the HSBC Champions and Scottish Open the week before the Open at Royal Birkdale on the European Tour schedule,
To be eligible for the Race to Dubai he would need to play a total of 12 events - with at least two in continental Europe.
"I understand and agree with the decision to raise the required number of events," added Mickelson. "They have made great strides with the Race to Dubai and I understand why they want to protect their asset.
"It does not affect my decision. If I was going to play on the European Tour I would expect to play at least five events in addition to the four majors and three World Golf Championships so I think that would be a fair commitment."
