Golf: Campbell considers PGA Tour

Michael Campbell is considering rejoining the PGA Tour in the United States fulltime in 2007.

The reigning US Open champion revealed a possible career switch on the eve of the inaugural HSBC Champions event.

"I will probably play the same schedule on the European Tour next year as I did this year but, as for 2007, I might dabble a little bit more in America," he said.

"I have a five-year exemption on the US Tour after winning the US Open and maybe I will join the tour in 2007.

"It's something that I have been thinking about since winning the US Open and more so after news last week of the revamped schedule staring in 2007.

"But it's too far ahead right now and I just want to work on 2006. That is more of a priority at this stage than 2007."

Campbell's last extended stint in the US in 2003 was spectacularly unsuccessful as he missed nine successive cuts before seeking sanctuary back in Europe.

Campbell is visiting China for the third time this year.

He was third in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Beijing in May and second in the Volkswagen Masters in the same city in September.

Campbell has joined Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, the world's two top-ranked players, along with 71 others competing in the US$5 million ($7.41 million) tournament.

The event is jointly sanctioned by the Asian, Australasian, Southern Africa and European tours and is also the first order of merit event on the 2006 European Tour schedule.

Campbell will tee up hoping to claim a second HSBC title after winning last month's HSBC World Matchplay title in England.

"I am very proud to be back in China as golf in China is very exciting," he said.

"It's the new golfing Mecca of the world."

- NZPA