By Rob Hodgetts BBC Sport at the Forest of Arden

Howell has not enjoyed good fortune on the US Tour

English Ryder Cup star David Howell has pledged his future to the European Tour after struggling to adjust during his time on the American circuit.

Howell, 29, led the Masters at the end of the second day and went on to finish a creditable joint 11th.

But a host of lacklustre results have left him disillusioned with life on the other side of the Atlantic.

Howell, who lines up for this week's British Masters at the Forest of Arden, admitted: "It hasn't gone very well."

The Swindon pro received playing privileges in the United States, courtesy of his place on the victorious 2004 Ryder Cup winning side, but has suffered disappointing fortunes in his events there, including a couple of missed cuts.

"I had the odd good week over there and the Masters was a real big boost for my confidence," he said.

"But I didn't adjust overly-well and haven't enjoyed it as much as I hoped, so it is nice to be back among friendly faces.

My goal is to be in the world's top 50 so I can play where and when I want David Howell

"I'm quite happy trying to play both Tours but I'm not trying to be a US Tour player.

"My goal is to be in the world's top 50 so I can play where and when I want. The situation I wouldn't want is having to play 15 or 16 events in the USA and not being in the top 50."

A growing number of Europe's top players have chosen to spend the early part of the year in America; some through Ryder Cup exemption and others, such as US Tour School winner Brian Davis, through qualifying.

But there are concerns that the lack of big stars in European Tour events will damage the Tour, both for sponsors and spectators.

Howell's fellow countryman Lee Westwood however, insisted the exodus could only benefit European golf.

"While it doesn't look great now, it will improve the European Tour no end," he said.

"The players will become better, they will pull in more world ranking points and become bigger household names, which will draw in bigger crowds when they play over here.

"But in the early stages of the season, you can play an event closer to home [in America rather than the Asian-based European Tour events] for sometimes three times the money. What would you do?"

Being able to get home on a Sunday night in Europe is another bonus David Howell

Howell insisted that his issues with the US Tour had more to do with lifestyle than struggling with the American playing conditions.

"The courses are not set up particularly difficultly for the average week - conditions are actually slightly easier when it's not chucking down with rain.

"There are two or three key differences between playing in Europe and America.

"There is this feeling that it's not as friendly, and it isn't, but it is not because of the people. It is more because you get in a different car and you all stay in different hotels.

"It is easier to travel - a lot more families travel - whereas in Europe we all hop on the bus at 0700 most weeks from the same hotel. We are just together a bit more.

"Being able to get home on a Sunday night in Europe is another bonus - I'm not going to make my home in America.

"If you are over there for three weeks, you know you are going to be away from home for that time, even if you miss a cut. It is just not as nice for the lifestyle."