How the fortunes of Graeme Storm have turned around in spectacular style. He defeated Rory McIlory in a play-off to win the South African Open when he could have quite easily been left watching the event at home on television instead of banking the €164,409 winner’s cheque.
After narrowly missing his playing privileges on the European Tour when he missed a par putt on the final hole in regulation at the Portuguese Masters last year, which meant he failed to retain his Tour card by the slimmest of margins. Storm was all set to head off to Qualifying School when Patrick Reed unwittingly handed him a lifeline. The American Ryder Cup hero failed to enter the DP World Tour Championship and, as a result, he was removed from the European Tour 2016 Race to Dubai ranking, which resulted in Storm moving up the rankings to retain his 2017 European Tour status by the skin of his teeth.
“When I got home from Portugal it was my son’s birthday, so that helped to take my mind off of losing my card,” said Storm. “But I received a lot of really nice messages of support, and I was just trying to focus on going to Q-School,” who had missed out on his card by just €100. “I needed to make sure I was still playing some decent golf, but as things developed with Patrick, I was just praying it would go my way. So I was incredibly relieved. Obviously, I’ve been on the European Tour a long time and didn’t want to lose my playing status.” – Graeme Storm
Victory boost
The 38 year old European Tour veteran was quick to make the most of his reprieve as his victory in South African not only enables him to move up to fourth in the Race to Dubai but also earns him a further two years exemption on the Tour and valuable world ranking points. Not forgetting the huge confidence boost for beating an in-form Rory McIlroy.
Graeme Storm is one of the nicest guys on Tour and it’s not just his fans who are delighted to see him win once more but his fellow professionals were also quick to show their support.
“Obviously it’s disappointing to finish like that but Graeme has played well all week and what a story it for him,” said McIlroy. “He thought he had lost his card at the end of last year and there he is now standing with a trophy in his hands after the first event of 2017. I’m delighted for him. I wish I could have done a little more but it’s not a bad way to start the season and gives me something to build on in the weeks ahead.”
