GRAEME STORM has been dramatically handed back his European Tour card after receiving an incredible 11th hour reprieve.

The Hartlepool pro was gearing up for Tour School this week when he was going to attempt to reclaim the card that he had lost for finishing outside the top 110 in the Race to Dubai rankings.

Storm had missed out by just 100 euros after the incredible drama at the Portugal Masters when he was left emotional after a dramatic few days.

But the 38-year-old, who was aware of the chances of a late reprieve last week, has learned that he will definitely be staying on Tour in 2017.

Storm was told that he has moved up a place after the American Patrick Reed had not fulfilled his playing commitments on Tour.

Reed, ranked highly because of his world ranking, had only played in three European Tour events and needed to play in both the Dubai World Championship and in South Africa to take his total to five; the number stipulated to be considered for a place in the top 110.

The Texan has confirmed that he will not play in South Africa, so Storm has been informed that he will move up a place and reclaims his Tour spot for a further year.

"It's an incredible relief," said Storm. "I honestly can't describe what it feels like because I thought that I was heading for Tour School this week for the first time since 2003.

"I can't believe the events of the last couple of weeks, when I've been told this and that and obviously I thought I had lost my card.

"Now it is just a total relief that I've got my card back and and I don't have to go back to Tour school. It's incredible."