The European Tour's attempt to challenge the supremacy of its American equivalent could be boosted by the participation of world number two Phil Mickelson at some point in the future.
His manager, Steve Loy of Gaylord Sports, said: "Phil is not considering joining the European Tour at this time, but it is an option in the future, given the global nature of professional golf."
Mickelson's membership would be a massive boost to the European Tour, which is using its international schedule and some deep-pocketed multi-national sponsors to challenge the once all-dominant American PGA Tour.
Mickelson is believed to be considering the move due to several factors, including his sponsorship deal with Barclays Bank, the naming-rights sponsor of the Scottish and Singapore Opens.
The Scottish Open is already a European Tour event, while talks are under way for the Singapore Open, currently a stand-alone Asian Tour event, to become part of the European Tour next year.
Mickelson played both tournaments last year and will do so again this year. He will also take part in the HSBC Champions tournament in China, which offers massive appearance money.
If the Singapore Open does join the European Tour, he would need only to add one more tournament to his schedule to meet the Tour's minimum requirement of 11 events - he already plays the four majors and three World Golf Championships events.