Olazabal set for more US activity

Not long after savouring the unique linksland of Ballybunion for the first time yesterday, Jose Maria Olazabal - sporting a couple of band-aids on his fingers which, it must be said, were not a reflection of the course's potential to punish wayward shots - provided the strongest indication yet that his days as a full-time European Tour player appear to be numbered.

Sergio Gomez, his manager, recently suggested that Olazabal was considering a switch to the US Tour because the circuit here was becoming too "Britainised". Although the player himself begged to differ with that particular assessment, Olazabal did concede that he was "thinking seriously" about a move to the States. "I have to take the decision in September so that I can play next year," he added. Rather than too many tournaments in Britain - and, one presumes, Ireland - being the reason for what now seems the formality of confirming a change to his future tour schedule, Olazabal said it was a matter of travelling logistics.

A quite dramatic change about in the European Tour in recent years has seen the early part of the season meander its way around Australia, the Far East and South Africa. "The last two years I've gone to Australia and all those places and by the time you reach April you're really tired. All the time changes place a big toll on your body, and it's a tall order to get over it," he said.

"At least this way, I can make one trip to the West Coast (of America) and play in about five tournaments. It will be easier on my system. I'm always looking to prepare for the majors the best I can and this way I play over there, come home for two weeks, and then return for the Masters," said Olazabal. The tone, as much as the words, indicated that Olazabal's mind is already made up.

A winner of five tournaments (including two Masters) in the States, Olazabal's move - which seems increasingly likely - won't, however, mean that he turns his back on the European Tour. "I'd have to play 11 events to retain my membership. I would not play in Europe as much as up to now obviously, but I will keep my membership, sure," he said.

While his future plans are likely to see him play more frequently in America, his immediate aim is to secure a second Irish Open title. Upon arrival on Monday evening, Olazabal spent a considerable amount of time on the putting green - without venturing out on to the course - but, yesterday, he played a full round and confessed that it was "really tough, extremely tough if the wind blows. You don't need a gale, just a strong breeze like today."

The ninth hole, in fact, provided a perfect example of the task ahead. Of the four players in his practice group (he played with Miguel Angel Jimenenz, Domingo Hospital and Jose Rivero), not one of them managed to find the green at the par three of just 135 yards. "All the par threes were nice and tricky," claimed Olazabal.

So, what would it take to win? "This golf course demands good play in all departments. There is no way you could score well if your driving is so-so, the iron play is so-so, the chipping is so-so, and the putting is so-so. You will have to be very consistent all through the bag," he insisted. "The greens are elevated and the ball tends to run away from you. If you keep it straight on target, even if half a club short or long, you are still okay. But just a few yards left or right and you are going to struggle." Definitely not what he can expect to find in the United States!