GARY Emerson has been showered with congratulations since he became the latest European Tour champion with a stunning victory in the Russian Open in Moscow.

"I have had over 100 messages by phone and text from so many people who really wanted me to win," he said. "Other tour players, even some established big names, have been on.

"It was brilliant to hear from people I had not seen or heard from for years

"I even had a message from the caddies of the European players who were competing in the US PGA Championship. It's been a hectic week, yet I've done nothing except be with the family.

"I did have a celebration with a few close friends on Saturday but then returned to practice at Rushmore Park in preparation for this week's event."

He is on his way to Munich to play in the BMW International. But had he not won in Russia he would simply have been pining at home as his ranking would not have been high enough.

The status he has attained is probably worth more than the £45,000 cheque that propelled him into 105th spot in the Volvo order of merit. It has given him exemption for the final seven tournaments this year and the entire programme next year.

He plans to play for three weeks in succession - travelling on to the European Masters in Switzerland and the German Masters in Cologne - before taking his wife Dawn and daughters Georgina, nine, and Charlotte, six, on their first family holiday for two years.

That means he misses a trip to Spain but he will conclude the most memorable season of his 10-year European Tour career by playing in the final three events.

One other major advantage of full exemption is the facility to plan ahead. He knows how comforting that is after achieving early qualification for The Open at Troon that gave him ample time to prepare.

He said: "I have played 13 tournaments yet half of them been last minute calls the previous weekend or even later. I was never sure where I was going and that wasn't easy for me or the family. Now that uncertainty is over."

Emerson, who will be 41 next month, never doubted his ability to win but admits it has been frustrating this season. "I have been playing well but had trouble getting starts," he said.

"It is a big experience to win on the European Tour and that is something that can never be taken away from you.

"I have worked hard for 10 years and now I want to go further and do even better.

"I am not really setting any targets although it would be nice to get into the top 60.

"Now I've tasted a win in Europe I want to savour it. I've won once, now there is no reason why I can't do so again."