James Morrison golf DP World Tour retirement comeback fairytale win
Discover the incredible story of James Morrison, a 40-year-old golfer who planned to retire after losing his DP World Tour card. Instead, with his 13-year-old son Finley on the bag, he secured a stunning victory at the HotelPlanner Tour’s Rolex Grand Final.
Morrison fired a seven-under 65 on Saturday to take a three-shot lead and held on for a three-shot win, finishing at 15 under. This emotional triumph not only earned him a spot back on the DP World Tour but also created unforgettable memories with his son.
From his 15 years on the tour, two previous wins, to this unexpected return, learn how Morrison dug into his memory bank to overcome nerves and deliver under pressure. The win meant more than a card—it was a special moment hugging his son on the 18th green.
Explore the journey from near-retirement to renewed career, including his past victories like the 2009 rookie win and 2015 Spanish Open. This golf story showcases perseverance, family bonds, and the thrill of professional sports.
Keywords: James Morrison, DP World Tour, golf comeback, fairytale win, HotelPlanner Tour, retirement reversal, pro golf
A golfer’s retirement plans take an unexpected turn, and it’s a story that will leave you wanting more. James Morrison, a 40-year-old veteran of the DP World Tour, had made peace with the idea of retiring from professional golf. However, fate had other plans, and a remarkable win has now forced him to reconsider his future. After 15 years on the DP World Tour, Morrison lost his card last season and spent this year on the Hotel Planner Tour. He needed a strong finish at the Hotel Planner Tours Rolex Grand Final to secure a spot on the DP World Tour for 2026. The top 20 finishers would earn full cards, and Morrison was determined to be among them. But here’s where it gets controversial. With his 13-year-old son, Finley, as his caddy, Morrison fired an impressive 7 under 65 on Saturday, building a three-shot lead. On Sunday, he woke up with a different perspective, knowing that a win with his son on the bag was within reach. It’s funny how my attitude changed. Morrison said, “I had been telling myself that this could be my last event and I didn’t care. But on Sunday morning, I realized I did care and I wanted more. I dug deep into my memory and drew upon my past victories on the DP World Tour. Their nerves were evident early on Sunday with Morrison three putting on the first hole and Bogin the second. However, he composed himself and made three birdies in the next four holes, stretching his lead to four. Even with a comfortable cushion, the pressure was still palpable on the 72nd hole. “That last swing was a blur. I couldn’t feel my arms,” Morrison recalled after boging the final hole to win by three strokes. I’m glad it’s over, but I managed my emotions and drew upon my past experiences. The wind was a challenge, but it played into my hands today. Morrison’s first DP World Tour win came in 2009, and he followed it up with a victory in the 2015 Spanish Open. Despite an earlier win this season on the Hotel Planner Tour, Morrison struggled, missing cuts and failing to finish in the top 20. He had decided that another year on the developmental tour was not an option. And this is the part most people miss. Morrison’s fairy tale win with his son on the bag meant more than just a return to the top circuit. It was a special moment for both father and son, and the hug they shared on the 18th green was a moment of pure joy. Finley did great, Morrison said. He let out a sigh of relief when I hold a birdie putt on 11. I could tell he was feeling the pressure just like the rest of us. but he handled it like a pro and that hug meant the world to me. With 438 starts on the DP World Tour, Morrison’s career seemed to be coming to an end. But now he has a new lease on his golfing life. How much more he will play remains uncertain. I’m not sure what the future holds. I don’t have a caddy or a tour bag yet. I can put my job application to Waitro on hold for now. We’ll see what happens, Morrison said when asked about his plans. So, what do you think? Is this a heartwarming story of a golfer’s second wind, or is it a sign that sometimes it’s best to stick to your retirement plans? Let us know in the comments.
