Antalya, Turkey …. 

Richie Ramsay remains determined to end the season not only as the European Tour’s highest-ranked Scot but secure a first Scot success on Tour in over two years.

Ramsay is among five Scots contesting this week’s Turkish Airlines Open on the stunning Regnum Carya course near Antalya.

The Edinburg-based Ramsay is currently 24^th on the Race to Dubai and already two places higher than his Race to Dubai season best of 28^th in 2011.

Scotland’s Richie Ramsay ahead of this week’s Turkish Airlines Open. (Image – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

And while Russell Knox was the last Scot to win a European Tour event in capturing the 2015 WGC – HSBC Champions, Ramsay was the last ‘home-based’ Scot to taste victory in winning the Hassan 11 Trophy earlier in 2015.

Ramsay has three bites of the cherry to attain his goal and also including next week’s $US 7.5m Nedbank Challenge in Sun City, South Africa before winding-up a ninth full season in the pro ranks at the November 16th commencing DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

There is also the added allure of ending the year top-10 on the money list that would ensure opening the door on entry into next year’s Open Championship and WGC titles.

“You can gain so much over these three weeks,” Ramsay said.

“Of course, the goal is to make as much money as possible but with that comes the decision as to whether you play smart of and kind of passive aggressive or do you go flat out for three tournaments?

“If I get one event where I am playing flat out and I’m holing putts then you could finish third, the money is ten times more than if you finish 40^th three times.

“I don’t know how to approach it. I know I am playing well as my iron play is good while my driving is lovely too.

“When you shoot your best rounds, you give yourself chances. My short game has improved hugely this year.

“So, these three week can lead to a ground-breaking season and that is how I am looking at the three events.”

Joining Ramsay is David Drysdale (48^th on the Race to Dubai), Marc Warren (54^th), Scott Jamieson (71^st) and Stephen Gallacher (78^th)