By Matt Slater Golf editor

Compared to the European Tour, every week feels like a major out here

England's Greg Owen is convinced his decision to play in the US this season has improved his game and lifted his chances of success at the USPGA.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a superb first year in the US after winning his tour card at qualifying school and comes to Baltusrol in a confident mood.

"Playing my golf here this year will definitely help me this week," he said.

"I've played two USPGAs before and it was all too new. But now I know what to expect - I'm a more comfortable here."

The Mansfield-born golfer believes the PGA Tour players will have a big advantage over their European Tour counterparts in New Jersey this week, as the course and conditions are what they are used to "week in, week out".

Speaking to BBC Sport after his first practice round at Baltusrol on Tuesday, he said: "It's very similar [to PGA Tour courses].

"The rough is a little thicker and it's a longer course than we normally play. But if you play out here regularly it will be nothing new.

"It will be very different to European courses, though, because the rough will be much thicker, the course will be much longer and the greens will be much quicker."

Owen's prognosis is supported by the event's history - no European has won the golfing calendar's final major since Scotland's Tommy Armour won in 1930.

Owen celebrates his victory at the 2003 British Masters

And Owen believes it is not just the course that favours the US-based golfers, he also thinks PGA Tour players are better prepared to handle the atmosphere of a major tournament.

"Compared to the European Tour, every week feels like a major out here," he said.

"It's always exciting and they just look after you so well. So this week feels like a normal week."

That is a far cry from the emotions Owen felt during his USPGA performances in 2002 and 2003. Slightly overawed by the occasion, he missed the cut both times.

"I didn't know what to expect," he said. "The crowds were monstrous and it was just all so knew.

"But this time I'm really looking forward to getting out there on Thursday and just playing another round of golf."

Owen, currently 40th on the money list, took to life on the PGA Tour like a duck to water.

The first rookie to reach $1m in earnings this season, he has posted three top-10s in 16 starts, including a headline-grabbing third place in only his third event.

Owen's success in the US took some by surprise as his record in Europe had been steady as opposed to spectacular.

Owen wins Masters

His best finish on the Order of Merit came in 2003 when he finished 21st. That year also brought his only victory on the main circuit, the British Masters.

But 2004 was a huge disappointment as a serious back injury interrupted his season.

The decision over whether to try for a PGA Tour card was easy - "fed up" after a frustrating season, Owen was desperate for a new challenge.

I've only had three top-10s, it's not like I've won anything - I've still got a lot more to give

"I'd had such a bad year, I had nothing to lose," he admitted.

"I was buying a property in America anyway - as an investment and for winter practice - so while I was sorting that out my manager persuaded me to go for Q-school and everything went well.

"I needed a change of scenery to boost my morale. And I just work harder here.

"We get looked after so well out on the tour that you can just concentrate on your golf. And that's what I've been doing.

"It's massive over here and it's so exciting every week. I'm just enjoying having the chance to play on the world's biggest tour."

But Owen is not satisfied with just taking part, and he is determined to take his game to the next level.

"I've only had three top-10s, it's not like I've won anything," he said. "I've still got a lot more to give. It's just a start really."

His current position in the US money list would earn him a place in next year's Masters, and he would win a place in the lucrative Tour Championship at the end of the season if he could get into the top 30.

Baltusrol to test world's elite

A good result at Baltusrol this week would help and the Englishman is in bullish mood.

"I'm striking the ball really well. I think I only missed one drive today. Everything is shaping up pretty good," he said.

"It's a very fair course. The player who plays best this week will win, and that's right."