The Americans have relaxed their strict entry criteria in response to three of the world’s top 10 – Westwood, above, Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy – deciding to commit their futures to the European Tour next season.
Westwood’s status as world No1 has clearly influenced the decision-making – the Americans having to come to terms to the fact the world’s best golfer is no longer one of theirs.
The PGA Tour have swallowed their pride and accepted they need Westwood more than he needs them.
He and other non-members will now be allowed to compete in 11 PGA Tour events without becoming members rather than the 10 currently allowed.
“I didn’t want to get into the situation where, after the Majors and the World Golf Championship events, I was having to choose between The Players’ Championship and defending in Memphis,” said Westwood.
I don’t know whether they are doing it for me or if there are others in that category like Rory and Martin
“Now they have changed the rules slightly and put The Players’ Championship in a bracket of its own. It was, I guess, a way of getting around it.
“I don’t know whether they are doing it for me or if there are others in that category like Rory and Martin. But they would want as many of the top world-ranked players playing in their events as possible.”
The trio are all in action at this week’s European Tour’s Dubai World Championship, which will decide Westwood’s successor as the Race to Dubai winner. Kaymer leads Graeme McDowell by £245,000 going into the final event.
“When I turned pro I had three goals – to win a Major, to play and win the Ryder Cup and to become No1 in Europe,” said Kaymer, who could also supplant Westwood as world No1 with victory on Sunday.
“Hopefully I can win the Race to Dubai so I will have done it all in one year. That would be fantastic.”