Singh says Americans should play at Wentworth

VIRGINIA WATER, England, May 23 (Reuters) World number six Vijay Singh bemoaned that no Americans are competing in this week's PGA Championship at Wentworth.

''This is a premier event in Europe and I am saddened by the fact that when you have the TPC (Tournament Players Championship) in the US, you have a lot of Europeans going over there and playing,'' the Fijian told reporters today.

''The PGA Championship over here is big, or even bigger... I would like to see more Americans playing in this tournament.'' Singh, 44, who began his career in Europe and is now based in the US, said officials could help by attaching even more importance to the European Tour's flagship event.

''It may require this one to become a major maybe. That's one way of getting them over here,'' said the former world number one.

''Apart from that, make it a 10 million dollar tournament.'' The PGA, which has a prize fund of 4.35 million euros, is unlikely to be awarded 'major' status but the next best thing could be within reach.

''They could have made this a World Golf Championship (WGC) event,'' said Singh. ''They have three in America including one in Doral, they could have made the PGA that event.

''Maybe in the future they could do that. That's one way of bringing all the top-ranked players over here.'' Singh, who has three major victories to his credit, said he was glad to be back where it all started for him.

''I like to play in Europe,'' he said. ''I have some good memories and my son was born here.

''I have good feelings when I come back.'' REUTERS TB KN1915