Jamie Spence's membership of the European Tour hangs by a thread.

The Nevill globe- trotter must get a sizeable wad of prize money from the Mallorca Classic ending on Sunday to prevent a break of 14 straight years in the big time.

Jamie's consistency is a remarkable achievement and, should he miss out, one last chance remains when the Tour schedule winds up in Madrid starting next Thursday.

His target is to finish in the top 115 of the Volvo Order of Merit. After a brave stab at winning the Dutch Open, Jamie's six under par 274 did no better than tie him for 18th spot even though he was only three strokes off local winner Maarten Lafeber.

It earned him £7,395 which is not nearly enough to banish fears of returning to the Tour school.

Currently, his season's prize money from 22 starts is £97,737 and 121st spot - rather less than borderline and sufficient to cause Jamie some concern.

What didn't help Jamie's season was undergoing a knee operation in January which delayed his Tour appearances until April. Now he faces an uphill task with typical fortitude.

He said: "Two more to go and we'll see what happens. At Hilversum I played better than I have for some time and, strange as it may seem, I hit the ball better in my last round of 71 than I did when scoring 65 in the third.

"But my putter was cold and I finished the tournament with a couple of bogeys which didn't help. Now I'll have to do it in Mallorca or Madrid. Not competing on the Tour until April meant I was playing catch-up and really I shouldn't be in the position I am now although it is quite exciting in a way.

"As to my game, I'm probably driving the ball the best in my career whereas at other times it has been my nemesis. It is my seven, eight and nine irons that should be better, but I am not unhappy. If I don't make it, I would go to the Tour school. That's pro golf, it's what I do."

Before becoming established on the magic roundabout Jamie had an uncertain period until he made the grade in 1987 two years after turning pro. Now, at 40, he has won nearly £2.5m. Highlights in his career are two Tour victories in 1992 and 2000 and helping England win the Alfred Dunhill World Cup in 1991.

If it comes to a return to the hair-raising ordeal of six rounds at the qualifying school, when the top 36 succeed from an entry of hundreds, it will be no new experience. Jamie needed five visits before gaining his Tour card and needs no instruction in patience. This is one of his great virtues and it has paid off.

Three years ago he ended an eight-year wait to claim his second Tour title following his 1992 success in the European Masters when he won the Moroccan Open. And he need have no fears about age. Last year was a good one with £264,000 in the bank and 55th in the lists, but his exempt status runs out this month.

Jamie came close last year to a third Tour victory when finishing runner-up in the TNT Dutch Open but then he was not hampered by vital surgery and saddled with trying to make up for lost time. As a member of the Tour committee Jamie is a much respected figure and that place would go if he ceases to perform on the circuit.

While the Tour is cut-throat in the most gentlemanly fashion, he is engaged in a tremendous battle in which there are only winners and losers. All members at The Nevill will be keeping fingers crossed for the flag carrier who has done the club proud. Come to that his many supporters in the Sussex PGU and county union are also rooting for him.

They don't forget a young and fiercely determined Spence winning the Sussex Amateur in 1984 and following-up the next year by lifting the Sussex Open. He hasn't changed a bit - and is still an Arsenal season ticket holder.