By Herschel Caldwell
Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas (kuh-MIHL’-oh vih-JAY’-guhs) are the latest of a half-dozen U.S. tour players who have decided to take up joint membership in Europe for the 2009 season.
Kim, a 23-year-old American whose two PGA Tour victories helped propel him to Number 8 in the world rankings, paid the $3,280 membership fee that makes him eligible for the season-ending $10 million “Race to Dubai” for the top 60 players and the additional $10 million bonus pool.
Villegas, a 26-year-old from Colombia, who won the final two playoff events in the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour, has also paid his dues to become a European tour member. He’s currently Number 7 in the world rankings.
Phil Mickelson is expected to do the same, while former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy previously said he would join.
If Mickelson decides to join, Europe can claim nine of the top 10 players in the world as members. The exception is top-ranked Tiger Woods, who has said his schedule would not permit him to meet the minimum requirements.
European members must play 12 times, which includes six tournaments in America – three majors and three World Golf Championships.
Copyright 2008, Minority Golf & Sports Magazine