Jamie Donaldson wins Shot of the Year

• Welshman claims prize for Ryder Cup-winning shot
• ‘I knew I’d just hit the shot of the life,’ recalled Donaldson
• Effort earned 32% of votes on European Tour website

Jamie Donaldson’s spectacular approach to the 15th hole at Gleneagles, which helped secure victory for Europe in the Ryder Cup, has been voted the European Tour’s ‘Shot of the Year’ for 2014.

The Welshman’s superb effort eclipsed the other nominations for the award, which were drawn from the winners of the ‘Shot of the Month’ award in 2014.

With his side leading 13½-9½ and needing just half a point to retain the famous gold trophy, Donaldson was four-up with four to play as he and US opponent Keegan Bradley reached the 15th tee of the PGA Centenary Course.

“I’ll definitely never get tired of talking about that shot.” – Jamie Donaldson

After an excellent drive left him with just 146 yards to the pin, the 39-year-old then arrowed his approach to within a foot of the flag, which forced Bradley to concede defeat, sparking wild scenes of jubilation amongst the Europeans.

Donaldson recalled: “It was the perfect distance so I knew I could put a full swing on it and be aggressive. As soon as I hit it, I thought it was going to be good – but I hadn’t realised just how good.

WATCH JAMIE DONALDSON’S AWARD-WINNING SHOT

“I said at the time I’ve just hit the shot of my life, given the circumstances. To hit the shot which won us the Ryder Cup was just incredible, and I’m honoured to win the European Tour’s ‘Shot of the Year’ award, so a big thanks goes to everyone who voted for me.

“I’ll definitely never get tired of talking about that shot. It was such an amazing moment for me, but more importantly for the team. Everyone had put so much effort into that week, so it was nice to get our just rewards at the end of it. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better finale to the best week of my career so far.”

Donaldson’s moment of magic drew 32% of the votes polled by fans of ‘My European Tour’, beating Charl Schwartzel’s miraculous recovery shot in January’s Volvo Golf Champions into second place.

The South African won 23% of the votes, with Victor Dubuisson earning 13% for his ‘Seve-esque’ escape from a cactus in the final of the WGC-Accenture Matchplay Championship.

Jamie Donaldson’s stunning Ryder Cup debut

Winning the ‘Shot of the Year’ award caps an unforgettable Ryder Cup debut for Jamie Donaldson, who won three of his four matches on his maiden appearance in the contest.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor