Euan Walker, who graduated from the HotelPlanner Tour for the first time last year, recorded a career-best finish on the DP World Tour at last week’s Hainan Classic presented by MAEXTRO.
The Scot has endured a tough start to life on Golf’s Global Tour having made just one cut in his six outings prior to the first event on the Asian Swing. However, positive signs certainly emerged at Mission Hills Haikou.
Walker, who won twice during his five years on the HotelPlanner Tour, pieced together rounds of 69-67-66 to sit at 14 under par heading into the final day, three shots back of eventual winner, American Jordan Gumberg.
And despite a closing level par round of 72 curtailing his chances of a breakthrough victory, the 30-year-old is taking plenty of positives from his career-best effort, which saw him end the week in a tie for sixth.
“It’s been a massive boost for my season,” he said ahead of this week’s Hero Indian Open.
“A big performance like that was needed to show I can compete on the Race to Dubai. I wasn’t really going too well up until that point although I was playing some nice golf.
“It’s given me confidence that my game is good enough. I’ve never had a top ten on the DP World Tour and that was my 24th start. It’s good to know that I can do it.”
Walker was a mark of consistency on the 2025 Road to Mallorca, making 19 cuts from his 26 starts and registering four top tens in the process, including at the Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&A, where a tied for third finish ensured his DP World Tour playing privileges for the 2026 season.
After making the step up to the top tier, the Scot believes coming through the HotelPlanner Tour ranks has left him best prepared to compete at the highest level.
“I really felt at home on the HotelPlanner Tour over the past five seasons,” he added.
“I enjoy going to the same venues. It’s amazing and organised to a really high level and prepares you as best you can when coming out on the DP World Tour.
“You’re travelling a lot and playing in a lot of different countries and that’s what you’ve got to do to be successful as a professional.”
Walker is one of 17 graduates from the class of 2025 competing at DFL Golf and Country Club this week, including last year’s Number Two, David Law, and Rolex Grand Final champion, James Morrison.
