Rory McIlroy has singled out fellow Irishman Peter Lawrie for special praise ahead of this week’s BMW Masters in Shanghai.

Lawrie went to Australia for last week’s Perth International with the task of trying to hold onto his Tour card for 2014 and he achieved that goal as reported earlier this week by www.golfbytourmiss.com

The Dublin-based father of four managed to move from 114th on the money and to 109th and retain his card by some Euro 5,000.

McIlroy was competing in South Korea where he eventually finished joint runner-up in the Kolon Korean Open and while desperate to win for a first time this year he was fully aware of what Lawrie was doing ‘Down Under’.

“I’m really pleased for Peter as I was closely following his progress last week from South Korea and I’m really delighted for him to wrap up his Tour card,” said McIlroy.

“Missing six cuts in a row as his did before going to Australia was not Peter Lawrie but then once it starts to play on your mind it then becomes difficult making cuts.

“So it’s just great to see him secure his Tour card for next year.”