Scotland’s Craig Lee will undertake an 11,000 mile round trip to Hong Kong buoyed by sharing sixth place in the Portugal Masters so as to be assured of earning full 2016 European Tour membership.
The Callaway staff player finished the best of the seven Scots posting the second equal lowest final round of a six-under par 65 for a 12-under par on the Oceanico Victoria course.
England’s Andy Sullivan led from start to finish storming his way to a nine shot victory and become the first playerthis season to win three Race to Dubai titles and put himself in frame to represent Europe in February’s EurAsia Cup in Malaysia.
Scotland’s Craig Lee is staring at a 11,000 mile return trip to Hong Kong in order to cement his 2016 Tour card.
Sullivan, 27 birdied his closing two holes in a round of 66 for a 23-under par tally and victory that on Monday will see the Nuneaton golfer jump some 21 spots to 45th on the World Rankings and the assurance of contesting all four Majors next season.
Lee arrived on the Algarve lying 120th on the Race to Dubai and jumped 16 places to 104th, and seven spots inside next week’s 111th cut off mark.
“I’m as I needed a big week somewhere along the line and this week was probably one of them,” said the Scot.
“However it definitely does make it a lot easier now travelling to Hong Kong and I won’t be so nervous teeing up on Thursday knowing if I make the cut in Hong Kong I should be fine for 2016.”
Lee got the start he wanted one the second day of a rare ‘shot gun’ start chipping to a foot for the easier of starting round birdies and he holing a 16-footer at this third hole.
And his demeanour some five hours later in also birding his closing two holes was in stark contrast when he walked off Woburn a week ago and venue for the British Masters bogeying two of his last three holes.
“You pick up two one week after dropping two the Sunday before, so that’s the funny nature of this game,” he smiled.
“But I’m looking forward to the Fanling course as it’s a tight old-fashioned course and the only downside for me is that it can be very hot and I will #need to keep properly hydrated.”
However it’s not an easy path to Hong Kong with Lee spending last night (SUN) at Gatwick Airport hotel before heading up to Glasgow this morning where he’ll spend a few hours before noon flight to Hong Kong.
“It’s going to be a good few nights before I get back to my own bed but if means securing my 2016 Tour card it will be all worth it,” he added.
Joining Lee in Hong Kong will be David Drysdale and Scott Jamieson but with Chris Doak seemingly resigned to heading to the Tour School shooting a final day 72 for a four under total, and move up only four spots to 156th on the money list.
Jamieson dropped two places to 107th on the Race to Dubai after being seven under through 36-holes but wit weekend scores of 75 and 73 ending at one under par.
“I just have to play this coming week and it’s as simple as that also needing to quickly get my head around the Hong Kong course, as I’ve never played well there,” said Jamieson.
Borders David Drysdale will join Lee and Jamieson in Hong Kong but looking to qualify for the following week’s Turkish Airlines Open after a final round 69 for a share of 16th place at 10-under par.
Drysdale picked up three places to move to 95th on the Race to Dubai and only eight spots from packing his bags for Belek.
