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Leading American golfers are unlikely to change their schedules after the European Tour raised the number of mandatory events for membership to 12 tournaments, Ernie Els said.

Players including world number two Phil Mickelson have mooted playing more events in Europe to qualify for next year's multi-million dollar Road to Dubai event, but Els said the Tour's move had probably scuppered that.

"For US players to change their schedules and play here, I don't think so," South African Els said before the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, which starts on Thursday.

"Mickelson has indicated he wants to play a bit more around the world, he's bought a new airplane so I think he can put some miles on it.

"But I don't know if there's going to be special exemptions for players to play in the Race to Dubai. If that's not the case I don't know if the (American) guys will really change their schedules to that extent."

The European Tour increased the minimum number of events to qualify for Tour membership from 11 to 12 on Tuesday, citing the length of the season.

The four majors and three World Golf Championship events all count towards European Tour membership, meaning players would have to compete in a further five events to have a chance of qualifying for Dubai.

The South African said he would continue to commit to the US and European Tours next season.

"I think to raise it to 12 is really not all that much to ask players to do, you can play both tours. A lot of the younger players are doing it now, so it's very do-able," the world number eight said.

Els said the PGA Tour might run into financial difficulties next season that could yet force players to change their schedules.

"With the US economy there are some big questions there. I would think that some of the financial and motor companies might be in a bit of stress."

Reuters