THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LONDON — Former British Open champion Todd Hamilton will play full time on the European Tour next season.
The 44-year-old American lost his playing rights on the U.S. PGA Tour after finishing 133rd on the 2009 U.S. Money List. He won the 2004 British Open at Royal Troon after beating Ernie Els in a four-hole playoff.
Hamilton looks set to fail in his attempt to regain his U.S. card at qualifying school this weekend and has emailed the European Tour with his membership plans.
As a former British Open winner, he has an exemption to play in all events on the European Tour until 2013.
Shaun Micheel of United States will also take part in next year’s European Race to Dubai but is expected to play schedules on both sides of the Atlantic.