Former U.S. Open champion, Graeme McDowell declared it ‘strange’ Lee Westwood should decide to the PGA Tour next year.

The double European No. 1 ranked Westwood has not played on the PGA Tour full time since 2005 and then he only played the bare minimum of 15 as required.

Westwood had been very critical of the PGA Tour including the Players Championship while during this year’s Omega European Masters he was asked about PGA Tour membership but commented:  “I looked out my hotel room window this morning and this is where I’d rather be here in Switzerland’.

Obviously, Westwood has had a change of heart and it’s taken many by surprise including his Celtic Manor winning teammate McDowell.

“One of the boys mentioned that to me today and I have to say I am very surprised after not taking up membership last year,” said McDowell after day one of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China.

“Then there’s also his comments about the PGA Tour and what not.

“His comments at the time were very strong and he had a lot of conviction in his decision last time round.

“But not to take up PGA Tour membership in a Ryder Cup year as Lee chose not to do last year and now to take up in a Ryder Cup year is strange.

“However Lee Westwood is a top quality player.  He knows what he is doing and maybe it’s all got to do with winning a Major.

“And I would say reading between the lines, Lee’s decision is all about winning a Major Championship and with three of the Majors in the States, Lee probably feels playing more golf in the States is going to help in that goal.”

McDowell and fellow U.S. Open champ, Rory McIlroy gelled superbly to muscle their way into a share of second place on nine under par on the Blackstone course in Haikou.

Joining Ireland on nine under par was the Scotland side of Martin Laird and Stephen Gallacher.

Australia’s Brendan Jones and Richard Green snatched two eagles and seven birdies in the Fourball format to lead by two on 11-under par.