Lesser lights played their cards right to keep hand in

DRAMA was the order of the day as the curtain fell on the European Tour’s regular season at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.

I was really impressed by the mental strength of Jamie Donaldson, inset, Daniel Brooks and Wade Ormsby who all produced when it mattered most to keep their cards.

Credit also to Sergio Garcia who played a full part as host to record his third win of the season.

However, it was the other end of the scale that had me enthralled as players fought tooth and nail to retain their playing rights.

If that sounds warped, sorry – but having spent more time than I care to remember in that same perilous position, I know exactly what they were going through.

Nowadays, tour bosses deem that only the top 100 can retain full access for the following season and in my opinion it’s simply not enough. I also think it’s getting tougher to survive.

In 2003, I finished 59th on the money list with €386,420. This year, Marcel Siem came in 101st – to secure the final cut off point via an affiliate – with virtually the same total

(€388,345). The financial rewards available on the European Tour these days continue to rise, but so too the pressure. I certainly don’t envy the modern player living in the bubble.

So while our attention will soon turn to next month’s lucrative Race to Dubai playoffs, spare a thought for those facing the pain and uncertainty of Q-school.