Golfer ranked 979 makes surprise decision after incredible Dunhill showing

Michael Stewart has reversed his decision to skip this week's DP World Tour event and will instead compete at the Open de Espana in Madrid.

The Scottish golfer had originally planned to play in the Tartan Pro Tour's season-ending event at Gleneagles, but his impressive performance at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has changed the situation.

Stewart, who was handed a late sponsor's invitation to the $5m DP World Tour event and did not have the opportunity to play a practice round, produced an excellent performance at in his homeland, finishing in a tie for fourth.

The result earned the 36-year-old almost £168,000 and, more importantly, secured him a spot in this week's Open de Espana. 

That left Stewart with a difficult choice, though, given his position in the Tartan Pro Tour standings.

The Ayrshire player currently sits second in the season-long standings and had been targeting a HotelPlanner Tour card through the circuit.

Speaking after his Dunhill Links performance, Stewart admitted to Martin Dempster of The Scotsman his priority was initially to head to Gleneagles.

"I think right now in all honesty, my mind is definitely play the Tartan Tour," he said at the Old Course on Sunday.

"I think I'd be silly if I wasn’t going to Gleneagles and to at least secure my HotelPlanner card. 

"My goal at the start of the year, that was it."

However, after speaking with the tour and establishing exactly where he stood with his exemption for next season, Stewart opted to accept the opportunity in Spain.

He will now take his place in a strong Open de Espana field featuring defending champion Jon Rahm, Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed and Irish Open winner Shane Lowry.

Other notables in the field include Bubba Watson, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Ludvig Aberg and home hope Sergio Garcia. 

GolfMagic previously broke the news Garcia was teeing it up on his home open ahead of his return to the DP World Tour next season. 

Stewart explained that the difference between the categories available to him played a major role in his decision.

"At the moment, I'm in a place where I would have Category 10 for next season's HotelPlanner Tour whereas the card on offer through the Tartan Pro Tour is a Category 12 one," he told The Scotsman. 

"So I have decided to take up the spot in Madrid and I won't be playing at Gleneagles. 

"I'm looking forward to it and it’s another free go for me, so hopefully I can keep it going."