The thought of the Stars and Stripes billowing above the European Tour's headquarters at Wentworth may give some traditionalists a shuddering sense of woe but, if the Yanks really are coming, then Sam Torrance will be there to welcome them with open arms.

A proposed takeover of the European circuit by the all-powerful PGA Tour has been the talk of the golfing steamie recently, although high-ranking officials on either side of the Atlantic have insisted that the whole notion is simply "incorrect".

While both tours continue to collaborate, Torrance, one of the European game's most celebrated figures, would have no qualms about the PGA Tour extending its influence and unleashing its considerable financial clout.

"The American tour is the best in the world and, if they're considering buying us and then running us, I don't see a problem with that," said the former Ryder Cup-winning captain. "They've bought a couple of other tours already, in Canada and Latin America, and they're looking to expand. We are the second-best tour in the world, and I think it would be fantastic.

"George O'Grady [the European Tour's chief executive] is ready to retire in the next five years or so, it looks like perfect timing to me. I think it'll be great for Europe, I really do . . . as long as they can give us a pension fund and backdate it 43 years. It's become a world tour now anyway. It's the same with all the tours, even the American tour is an all-world tour now."

Torrance, who is at Fairmont St Andrews this weekend for the SSE Scottish Senior Open, appreciates the financial hardships that the European Tour is facing, particularly in its traditional heartland; although the depth of talent on the circuit has never been greater, its spread into the Middle and Far East has opened highly lucrative new doors.

On the European Senior Tour, the circuit that Torrance competes on, the dwindling of finances over the years has led to a drastic reduction in tournaments for the over 50s. The American equivalent, meanwhile, is a lavish gravy train that is lipping full with opportunity and riches.

"Our Senior Tour needs a lift; we've got just 10-11 tournaments and you can't earn your keep off that," added the 59-year-old. "But I'd much prefer to see the main tour solidified, because Europe has not been better than it is right now. The last 15 years have been phenomenal for the tour and we should be at the top."

And what of the Ryder Cup? Would an increased US presence affect the great transatlantic tussle? "God, no," declared Torrance. "They won't own the Ryder Cup. They wouldn't dilute it in any way shape or form. In fact I think it would enhance it."

Having been named captain of the Great Britain and Ireland team for October's Seve Trophy match with Continental Europe by the current Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, the general consensus now is that Torrance is in line to be one of the Irishman's assistants for next year's Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

"I can't answer that," said the Scot when probed on the subject. "I know what you're thinking and obviously reading between the lines it's pretty obvious what he's doing, but I don't know anything about that.

"Did I think this captaincy lark was over for me? I did, I did, and I never thought for a million years my next captaincy would be against Europe. As far as being a Ryder Cup vice-captain, I'd be delighted to do it. It would be a great honour. But in the meantime I'm thinking only about the Seve Trophy."