Ryder Cup hero lands first title in just second start on Legends Tour

Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson has made an immediate impact on the senior circuit, capturing his first Legends Tour title in only his second start since turning 50.

The Welshman, who famously clinched the winning point for Europe at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, became eligible for the Legends Tour last month — and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark.

From Gleneagles glory to Legends Tour success

Donaldson’s place in Ryder Cup folklore was sealed more than a decade ago when his emphatic 5&3 victory over Keegan Bradley took Europe to the all-important 14.5 points, enough to retain the Cup they’d famously won at Medinah two years earlier.

His laser-like approach into the 15th at Gleneagles remains one of the most iconic shots in Ryder Cup history — a moment that secured Paul McGinley’s side a commanding 16.5–11.5 victory over Tom Watson’s Team USA.

Fast forward 11 years, and three-time European Tour winner Donaldson is once again lifting silverware — this time on the over-50s Legends Tour — after storming back from four shots behind to claim the Champions UK plc Senior European Masters hosted by Peter Baker.

Donaldson wins on Legends Tour

Playing at La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, Donaldson closed with a superb 5-under-par 67, finishing on 11-underpar  to edge out Mikael Lundberg, Thomas Gögele, and Van Phillips by a single stroke.

Overnight leader Michael Campbell, who fended off Tiger Woods to win the 2005 US Open, struggled on the back nine with a series of bogeys that saw him drop into a tie for fifth at 8-under par alongside defending champion Simon Griffiths and fellow Englishman Matt Cort.

A shot further back at 7-under par were Jarmo Sandelin, Joakim Haeggman, Adilson da Silva, and Maarten Lafeber, who matched Donaldson’s low round of the day with another sparkling 67.

"It’s fantastic," said Donaldson after securing his first Legends Tour title in his second start. 

"I've had a great week and it was nice to play so well today and birdie the last to pip them to it. The plan all week was to take advantage of the par-fives, get through the par-threes and pick up shots where I can on the fours. I did that perfectly today. I was really happy with the way I played.

"Early in the round I wasn’t trying to push too much, just wanted to let it happen. I tried to stay calm and stick to the plan of just hitting fairways and know I’ll have chances and that’s what I did. I got off to a strong start, and then it kind of snowballed in my direction as I made more birdies around the turn.

"I’m really pleased to have finished so strongly, and although it’s a shame I bogeyed 17, I bounced back really well with a great drive on 18 and then a solid 5-iron into the heart of the green. I hit a terrible first putt but luckily the pace was good and I got to 11-under. 

"I played Italy and finished 17th, and I remember thinking that it was quite difficult because there's so many guys out here that may not hit the ball as long as guys on the DP World Tour but they still play really, really good golf, and they're very, very good at scoring. 

"The scoring in Italy was really good and I knew I’d have to play some golf if I want to win tournaments out here. Luckily, I managed to do that this week."

Starting the final round at 5-under par, Donaldson came out firing, carding three birdies in his opening six holes to close within one of the lead as Campbell began to falter. 

Another birdie at the 10th moved him into a share of the top spot, setting up a thrilling back-nine battle.

A superb finish — highlighted by clutch birdies at 16 and 18 — saw Donaldson reach the clubhouse at 11-under-par, a target that ultimately proved unbeatable.

Germany’s Gögele looked the man most likely to spoil the party after a strong front nine that saw him reach 11-under par, but a bogey at the 17th, followed by a wayward tee shot into the water on the par-5 18th, left him settling for par and a share of second.

Gögele was joined at 10-under par by Sweden’s Mikael Lundberg, who continued his superb run of form with another top-10 finish — his seventh in nine starts — thanks to a sensational 235-yard 3-wood to a foot for a tap-in eagle on the final hole.

England’s Phillips also charged late, birdieing 17 and 18 to close on 10-under par and secure yet another strong finish.

The Legends Tour now shifts its focus to Asia, with the next stop being the Vattanac Legends in Cambodia in two weeks’ time.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Scott Hend continues to dominate the Order of Merit, holding a commanding 1,000-point lead over Peter Baker with just three events remaining this season. 

Hend, who captured his third Legends Tour title at the 2025 European Legends Cup in September, remains the clear favourite to top the standings.

Donaldson’s victory marks a remarkable start to his senior career — and a fitting continuation of a golfing journey already rich in iconic moments.

From the pressure of Ryder Cup Sundays to the warmth of La Manga, the Welshman’s class, composure and competitive spirit have clearly stood the test of time.

His message after the win summed it up best: stay calm, stick to the plan, and take your chances — the perfect recipe for success, whatever the stage.