Graeme McDowell has called on his American born PGA Tour colleagues to take the lead of their European Tour members and travel more around the globe.

McDowell has joined victorious European Ryder Cup colleague, Ian Poulter contesting this week’s Talisker Australian Masters at the famed Kingston Heath Club in Melbourne.

Poulter is the defending champion while McDowell is making a first visit to Australia in seven years since competing in the 2005 Heineken Classic at nearby Royal Melbourne.

Graeme McDowell blasts out of a bunker in practice ahead of this week’s Australian Masters at Kingston Heath in Melbourne.

However McDowell was asked on the eve of the event his thoughts on suggestions the Australian Masters could in future become part of the PGA Tour.

And in his response the former US Open champion and current World No. 24 challenged more American players to play in Australia, saying they should take the European lead and play a global schedule.

“We need to chisel the Americans out of their own backyards and get them travelling around the world and showing the world that they are great players and they are global players,” said McDowell.

“The world rankings should be just that … and you should have to play a bit of golf internationally.

“We need to be coming down here for two, maybe three weeks. But I would certainly welcome that opportunity.

“There is a huge golfing tradition back here and it would be important to get this back on the map.”

Poulter responded to the same question saying:  “I’d love it if more events were played on Melbourne’s Sandbelt.

“I haven’t played down here much, but I love the golf courses and playing last year and winning my first time at Victoria, yeah, I’d like them to be huge tournaments so I can come and play a bit more.

McDowell was full of praise for Kingston Heath after his second look at the course on which Tiger Woods won in 2009.

He said it had elements of his favourite English and Scottish courses, but presented a “unique” design and challenge.

“It’s a fantastic golf course, just a real advertisement for how a golf course doesn’t need length to be tricky and tough,” he said.

“Tee shot placement is a huge key, especially on the front nine.

“You start missing fairways and you’re in big trouble. The trees (are) pretty much unplayable in certain places.

“It really is placement off the tee and coming into these firm and fast greens you’ve got to favour short (approaches), you’ve got to favour front edge of most of them, and obviously the wind is a massive factor.”