Welshman has been battling with genetic spinal condition
Jamie Donaldson's success at the Irish Open was all the more special after he was advised to quit the sport.
The 36-year-old finally secured his first European Tour win at the 255th time of asking and 12 years after turning professional - with Donaldson clinching a brilliant four-stroke victory at Royal Portrush.
Coming as it did on the first occasion the tournament has been staged in Northern Ireland since 1953 was always going to make it special, even more so given the record crowds and on a course Donaldson rates the best he has ever played.
But the extra element to the Welshman's success was that he has fought a long battle with a genetic spinal condition which looked as if it might force him to give up the game.
Physiotherapy
"I was told to stop playing and had a year out, but eventually I went to see Jon Bowskill, a spine rehabilitation expert, and he's been fantastic with me," said Donaldson.
"He said the condition could be managed if I developed some core stability. I get lots of physiotherapy and do a lot of work to take strain off the lower back.
"I had to go back to the qualifying school in 2006 and I lost my way for a bit I suppose.
"Doubts creep in about whether you're ever going to win, but it was just a case of keeping going. I knew what I was doing was right."
