The European Invasion

European golfers have become more dominant on the PGA Tour in recent years despite the fact that in years past, the Tour was dominated more by American players. In my humble opinion, there are several reasons for this “European invasion.”

Golf has truly become a global game. It is played at a very high level on professional tours worldwide. The European Tour, for example, regularly tests professionals on golf courses throughout the British Isles, Europe, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. There are good players everywhere, and they don’t just have to play on the PGA Tour anymore.

European golfers seem to have more fun than American golfers. American golfers are grinders, sometimes to their own detriment. Europeans players seem to “feel” the game while genuinely enjoying each other’s company. It’s one of the reasons I think Europeans have had greater success in recent Ryder Cup competitions. Americans are robotic and even mechanical in the way they approach the golf swing and shot-making. They try to hit each shot perfectly. Golf is not a game of perfect, it’s a game of misses. Europeans have a different mentality.

European golfers have more personality. When was the last time you got excited about an American player? Ricky Fowler? Look at some of the Euros – Henrik Stenson will strip all the way down to his skivvies just so he won’t get mud on his pants when he hits his ball out of the water. The most personality you’ve seen from American golfers on the PGA Tour lately is the Golf Boys.

European golfers aren’t afraid of American golfers on the PGA Tour anymore. They are seasoned players who already know what it’s like to play good courses under tournament pressure for millions of dollars.