Ernie Els is so laid back sometimes you wonder whether anything bothers the tall South African. He is quiet, unassuming and very shy. So when Els began to denounce the selection of courses for the European Tour, it was time to sit up and listen.

"It's the state of the courses in Europe that is part of the reason why Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood are moving to the States next year to play," said Els, speaking in Denver last week.

"Darren and Lee are both very good players and it's not very good for the European tour because they are losing some very good players and they should start thinking about making some changes on their tour to keep the players there.

"Nick Faldo has been speaking to the tour about the courses for years and years. Woosie has also been talking to them. Everybody is talking to them; but it seems like they are not doing anything about it".

Els is pushing an old chestnut and fortunately his view won't stop him coming back to compete in Europe because, with the possible exception of Sandy Lyle, Els is playing more European tour events than any other player competing in the states.

"The European tour gave me a special exemption where I can remain a member if I play six or seven events, including the British Open," said Els.

"It also allows me to be on their money list and I'm doing well on that money list."

Els says he enjoys competing in Europe and intends competing in next month's BMW International in Germany.

"I don't see any other players doing what I'm doing and when I start not enjoying it, that's when I'll stop; but for the present time I don't mind playing all over the place whilst the travelling is not too much of a bother."

What is a bother for the European tour is how to reduce the constant flow of good European talent to The States.