Go east, young man: Duval recommends new pros go to Europe
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Go east, young man: Duval recommends new pros go to Europe

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New pros should spend a semester or two overseas. That's the assessment of 2001 Open champion David Duval.

“If I was a young player right now, I wouldn’t hesitate, I’d come play over here for a year or two is what I would do,” Duval said Wednesday at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. “The way the system is getting set up in the States is you’re going to have to play on the Web.com Tour for a year."

Beginning next season, the PGA Tour will overhaul how players earn status through the Web.com Tour and Q-school. The top 75 players on the Web.com Tour money list and Nos. 126-200 - and non-members that would have earned enough FedEx Cup points to qualify - will compete in three-event series to determine 25 PGA Tour cards and the status for 50 players.

Young pros who do not earn their status right out of school will be forced to spend a year on the Web.com Tour. Duval suggested the European Tour offers more opportunities beyond just a Tour card.

“If you play great golf (in Europe) and you get in the top 50 in the world, then you go back to the States and play the World Golf events, the majors, invitationals and you’re on Tour," he said. "And at 22, 23, 24, you get to experience the world, different cultures, get used to travel amongst different countries. I think if would be beneficial in furthering your career.”

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