Paul Dunne: “I’ve done what I’ve planned on doing”

Paul Dunne was one of just seven players to come through all three stages of the Qualifying School and secure a lucrative European Tour card for next year.

The 22 year-old endured a gruelling six-hole play-off in round two before advancing to this week’s final round at PGA Catalunya in Girona.

And he admitted gaining full playing rights for the Race to Dubai next year has been the defining moment of his career - bettering his Open heroics.

“It means more to me now than St Andrews because I’ve got something out of it,” said the Irishman.

“I played better at St Andrews but I was happy with how I ground my way through this week and stayed patient and kept things together.”

953 players took part in the Qualifying School process across the three stages, at the end of which 27 were left standing. Though he endured some scary moments, Dunne admitted he never doubted himself.

“I knew it was doable,” he acknowledged. “If I didn’t think it was I wouldn’t have entered. I’ve done what I’ve planned on doing and as long as I keep setting new goals and reaching towards them hopefully I can keep playing well and never have to visit this place again!”

He continued: “I’ve only been at home for five days since First Stage and I went to America to see my coach, so it’s been a lot of travel and a big grind but I’m happy it’s over and I can relax a little bit.

“I felt quite a lot of pressure this week; it was a mental grind all day.

“The final day in particular; it’s hard to know what to tell yourself — to play normal, to just scrape through, to chase birdies or to play really conservative.”