Jean Van de Velde is quitting full-time golf and will only play a handful of events on the European Tour next season.
The Frenchman, who is competing in this week's Castello Masters in Spain, is currently too low on the money list to retain his card for 2009.
But the 42-year-old's management company said on Tuesday he will not change his mind even if he climbs into the top 115 by the end of the season.
Van de Velde is best known for his spectacular collapse in The Open at Carnoustie in 1999, when he held a three-shot lead with one hole to play only to rack up a triple-bogey and eventually lose out to Paul Lawrie in a play-off.
A skiing accident six years ago left him with chronic knee problems and he also wants to spend more time with his family.
CAMPBELL SEEKING MORE SUCCESS
Panthers’ Colclough charged with DWI, then cut
Cowboys get CB Newman back, lose another two
