Michael Stewart Nearly Doubles Career Earnings at St. Andrews

Scottish pro Michael Stewart nearly doubled his 15-year career earnings in a single week, earning €197,170.81 (about $222,000) for a tie for fourth at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on St. Andrews' Old Course.

How did Stewart's week unfold?

The 36-year-old, making just his fifth DP World Tour start, shot a final-round 66 to finish tied for fourth alongside Tommy Fleetwood — well above where most of his career has played out. Stewart has spent the bulk of his 15 years as a pro on developmental circuits, including the now-defunct EuroPro Tour, the Tartan Pro Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour and the Mena Golf Tour.

How much had Stewart earned before this week?

Stewart's prior career earnings totaled roughly $270,000, built up over years on smaller tours. His biggest previous payday was $43,433 for a tie for 52nd at the 2023 Open Championship.

What's next for Stewart?

The result qualifies Stewart for more DP World Tour starts, including next week's Open de Espana and its $3.75 million purse. He said he plans to pass on that event, though, to instead play the Tartan Pro Tour's season-ending Gleneagles Masters, where he currently sits second on the Order of Merit.

"I think the focus has to be on the Tartan Tour," Stewart said. Staying inside the top two on that Order of Merit after Gleneagles would earn him a HotelPlanner Tour card for next season, giving him a tour to play even if his Dunhill Links result doesn't lead to further DP World Tour starts.