Mallorca, 1 November 2026. Irish golfer Liam Nolan finished the HotelPlanner Tour Grand Final with a five-under-par 67, securing the right to play on the DP World Tour in 2027. His first reaction was not simply about a score. He spoke about years of work, patience during difficult stretches and the people who helped him reach the next stage of his career.
'It feels unreal'
Reflecting on the achievement after his round, Nolan said: 'It feels unreal.' He described the journey from his earliest days in golf to earning a Tour card as a moment when his efforts had come full circle. He also emphasised the patience he had shown throughout the year, including periods when results were not going his way.
Nolan made a point of thanking his parents, Tom and Edel, for the many hours they spent driving him to junior tournaments around Ireland. His caddie Sean Nohilly was also part of the celebrations at Alcanada. His reaction was recorded after the competition.
The four rounds that secured promotion
At Club de Golf Alcanada near Port d'Alcúdia, Nolan posted rounds of 70, 69, 71 and 67 for a total of 277 (11 under par). That closing round secured a position among the top 15 in the Road to Mallorca season rankings, the group promoted to the DP World Tour.
The decisive change in his season began before the finale. Nolan claimed his first professional victory at the Abu Dhabi Challenge, then backed it up with a top-five finish in Hainan. Those performances transformed his position in the season-long standings and gave him a stronger chance of taking the final step in Mallorca.
Time to enjoy the achievement
One of Nolan's most revealing reactions was his relief at not having to pack immediately for another tournament. After weeks of travel, preparation and uncertainty, there was finally room to celebrate and rest. It is a reminder that promotion is shaped not only by scoring and swing mechanics but also by resilience and support away from the course.
Tournament context: The Grand Final ran from 29 October to 1 November. Julien Sale won the event and Hamish Brown topped the season-long rankings. Nolan's milestone was different: a 2027 DP World Tour card, not victory at the Grand Final.
