Adrian Meronk’s sensational Dunhill Links Championship success has seen the affable Polish golfer regain full membership of the DP World Tour.
Victory at the Home of Golf is Meronk’s fifth Tour success though a first in some three years since a fourth Tour victory late in 2023.
In May 2023 Meronk captured the Italian Open in Rome and on the host Ryder Cup course later that year and he looked to certain to be chosen a few months later for the European Ryder Cup but was overlooked in an eyebrow raising move on the part of European Team selection panel.
Meronk showed his bitter disappointment in not being picked by quitting the DP World Tour and joining LIV Golf.
NEW @dunhilllinks CHAMP REKINDLES MEMORIES OF PLAYING OLD COURSE ALONGSIDE @TigerWoods …
As Polish golfng sensation @AdrianMeronk @Cleeks_GolfClub @livgolf_league talks of his maiden appearance four years ago @TheHomeofGolf
“What also made (my first Old Course visit) extra special was I played nine holes of practice with Tiger (Woods) here in my Open debut and that was just so special” said Meronk.
Now Meronk targets returning next July 155th @TheOpen
Read: https://t.co/nu94S7OR3g
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✅ @TOURMISS
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) October 5, 2026
Fast forward to earlier this year and Meronk was among eight players who accepted a deal from the European tour that allowed him to keep his membership.
The two-shot victory at St. Andrews thus affords him full membership on the DP World Tour for 2027, and this could be important with so much in doubt at LIV Golf as it goes through Chapter 1 bankruptcy.
A tearful Meronk said: ‘It’s unreal. I never cry but this one feels special. I’m lost for words. It’s been a tough year and to win here after ten years since turning pro, it’s a dream come true.
‘After my final drive on 18 I was quite happy with the position I was in and I was just trying to enjoy the walk. It’s an amazing walk when you cross the (Swilcan) bridge, you look around and see the people and this history. When I was crossing the bridge I was thinking about Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus walking on the bridge. It was a great feeling and I really enjoyed the walk.’
His Home of Golf victory also rekindles Meronk’s desire to play more on the DP World Tour and if so, open the door to earning more World Ranking points by teeing-up in the leading Tour events.
BIG JUMP UP 382 SPOTS @OWGRltd ..
As new @dunhilllinks champ @AdrianMeronk @livgolf_league is the new World No. 1⃣4⃣5⃣ after his stunning @TheHomeofGolf triumph
A fifth @DPWorldTour for the champion Polish golfer
Keep it going Adrian
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✅ @TOURMISS https://t.co/w2LyccJ5r7
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) October 5, 2026
This hopefully may lead to the new World No. 145th ranked player muscling his way back into the major championships by being among the leading 50 on the World Rankings and not labouring as the current lowly World No. 527 ahead of his St. Andrews triumph.
It may surprise many that Meronk, and despite his 11 pro career victories has contested just 10 majors, a first at the 2021 US Open and his last a T50th at the 2024 Open Championship.
And it was a clearly excited the new Dunhill Links champion when he was asked how much he would enjoy teeing-up in next year’s 155th Open Championship at St. Andrews as the reigning Dunhill Links champion.
“It’s definitely, definitely has me excited”, he said.
“I have such good memories playing The Open here back in 2022, and my first Open Championship, and here at St. Andrews. It’s such a special place, a special golf course — probably the most unique place in the history of golf.
“What also made it extra special was I played nine holes of practice with Tiger (Woods) here in my Open debut and that was just so special.
“This place is forever going to be one of my favourite places on earth, and yeah, I hope to be back and play The Open, yeah.”
