Season's end means Tour stragglers must prepare for harshest cut of all

Published Date: 09 October 2008 THE winds of autumn always carry a chill reminder of consequences for those professional golfers who fail to produce their best during the course of the season. Just as relegation looms for faltering football clubs, struggling golfers must confront the reality of losing their playing privileges. On the European Tour, the Madrid Masters, which starts today at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, is one of three tournaments remaining on the 2008 schedule which will have a bearing on the livelihoods of those looking to retain their cards for 2009 . The battle for survival can be as nerve-racking as the quest for glory. At the end of the season, the top 115 golfers on the Order of Merit secure exemptions for the Race to Dubai, which starts next month. Since three players – Robert Allenby, Greg... [read full story]