Open champion Curtis joins exclusive two-tour club

The Open champion, Ben Curtis, will join the PGA European Tour, making him only the second American with joint memberships on both European and US tours.

Curtis received a 10-year exemption on the European Tour by winning the Open in July. He must play at least 11 tournaments, although the majors and World Golf Championships count toward that number.

He plans to start his European schedule at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand on 29 January. He was ranked 396th when he won the Open at Royal St George's, making him the first player in 90 years to win a major at his first attempt.

John Daly, who won the Open in 1995, is the only other American on both tours.