The inaugural FedExCup-style Final Series that tees off in Shanghai this week will give the European Tour a much-needed shot in the arm after a difficult year, said two-time major winner Jose Maria Olazabal.

While the rival US PGA Tour goes from strength to strength, the European circuit has struggled for sponsors and been badly hampered by the absence of headline attractions like Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.

With the majority of the triumphant 2012 Ryder Cup team basing themselves on the other side of the Atlantic this season, chief executive George O'Grady has had an awkward task in selling the European Tour brand.