Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

Almost exactly three years after securing the winning point in the Ryder Cup match at Gleneagles, Jamie Donaldson has clung on to his playing privileges on the European Tour by the skin of his teeth.

The Welshman finished fourth at the final regular tour event of the season, the Andalusia Masters at Valderrama, to move inside the top 101 of the Race to Dubai standings.

Starting the event ranked 118th, Donaldson knew that he needed at least a top-eight finish to avoid a trip to Qualifying School or using his Career Money List exemption next season.

A final round of 71 helped him consolidate the finish he needed and move up 19 places on the standings into 99th position.

And judging by his Twitter account, it’s clear that he was pretty relieved…

“You’ve got to finish a certain position to guarantee things, so
you’ve always got that in the back of your mind, but you’ve just got to
play the golf course as you planned to play it,” Donaldson told Sky Sports.

“I had a bit of a cushion knowing that I didn’t completely need to
keep my card because I do have a year left of my Career Money List
exemption but, even so, you don’t want to use it.”

As well as Donaldson, Daniel Brooks climbed to 97th place after
finishing third, with Australia’s Wade Ormsby also securing his playing
rights after finishing fifth.


author headshot

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

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship