A New World for Curtis

Starting his own see-the-world program, British Open champion Ben Curtis said Tuesday that he’s joining the European Tour next year.

Curtis, from Columbus, Ohio, has a five-year exemption to play the PGA Tour as a result of his victory in July at Sandwich, England, and he will also play the minimum 15 tournaments in 2004 to keep his U.S. tour card.

“It’s just an opportunity to improve my game, to see the world, have a great time,” Curtis said. “I want to play in all kinds of conditions, and I want to be known as a world-class player.”

His move reverses the trend of players leaving the European Tour to play the PGA Tour, a la Sergio Garcia, Jose Maria Olazabal, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Thomas Bjorn, Niclas Fasth and Justin Rose.

Curtis, 26, must play at least 11 tournaments on the European Tour, a sum he says he will easily meet, since the four majors and the World Golf Championship events count toward the minimums on both the European and American tours.

Curtis was little known as a pro, despite an impressive amateur career, but he came through at Royal St. George’s and won by a shot over Vijay Singh and Bjorn, shooting a 69 in the last round. He was the only player who broke par for 72 holes. The PGA Tour rookie, who earned his card at qualifying school last year, was ranked 396th in the world before the British Open -- the first major he had played.

Curtis earned $1.4 million in 2003, but he didn’t have another top-10 finish and missed three cuts in seven tournaments after the British Open.

He said he expected to make his European Tour debut in January at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand.

Curtis said he would play at least 20 PGA Tour events. Including the events that count toward the totals on both tours, Curtis may play 25-27 events.

He said reaction to his plan from PGA Tour officials was mixed at first.

“Obviously, they were a little not sympathetic, trying to push me into a ‘Why don’t you play more on the PGA Tour?’ kind of stance, but once they heard me out, they were supportive.

“The whole idea is to broaden my perspective and to improve my golf game professionally. And personally, this is a great opportunity too. This should be fun. This is the time to do it.”