Michael Stewart will continue what could prove a career-changing fortnight by teeing it up at the Open de España presented by Madrid after deciding to prioritise the $3.75 million DP World Tour tournament instead of a planned return to the Tartan Pro Tour.
The Scot, 36, made headlines as the World Number 979 finished tied fourth at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on debut, earning the right to take up a spot at Spain’s national open this week as a top-ten finisher.
However, with Stewart second on the Tartan Pro Tour Order of Merit and the top two earning playing rights on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2027, his intention was to compete at the three-day season-ending Gleneagles Masters presented by Gym Rental Company starting on Wednesday.
By finishing alongside Tommy Fleetwood and above Major winner Brooks Koepka and countryman Robert MacIntyre at St Andrews, he picked up a cheque for almost £168,000, days after earning £2,500 for finishing runner-up at the Duddingston Classic presented by Paul Lawrie Golf Centre.
Stewart was making just his sixth career appearance on the DP World Tour, having missed his previous five.
Following his performance at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, he earned 231.00 points towards the Non-Member Race to Dubai Points List and is in line to earn a stronger membership category on the HotelPlanner Tour than what he would via the Tartan Pro Tour.
Having now taken up affiliate membership on the DP World Tour, he could yet earn playing privileges on golf's global tour in 2027 with a good performance in Spain at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.
A former Walker Cup player, Stewart has risen to a career-high 483rd in the Official World Golf Ranking ahead of his latest shot in the limelight in the Spanish capital, where the winner will earn a spot at The Masters and the leading finisher not otherwise exempt will qualify for The 155th Open at St Andrews.
