Victor Perez emphatically sealed his European Tour playing privileges for next season after rising from 16thto second on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah Rankings with a play-off win over Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre at the Foshan Open, China.
The 26 year old, who won his first European Challenge Tour title at the Challenge de España last year, started the final round with a two-shot lead over Englishman Callum Tarren and Italian Francesco Laporta but it was MacIntyre who posed the biggest threat after signing for a final round 65 and taking the clubhouse lead with Perez still out on course.
With one hole to play Perez was one behind MacIntyre but superbly birdied the last to take the tournament to extra holes. The Frenchman held his nerve once again as they replayed the 18thto notch another birdie and claim his first win of the season. With the win, Perez jumps from 16thto second on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah Rankings with a season tally of 137,235 points and has one eye on Joachim B.Hansen who currently sits at the summit of the Rankings on 184,259 points.
The Foshan Open was the last opportunity for the next generation of golfing stars to secure their place at Al Hamra Golf Club for the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final, which is only open to the top 45 golfers on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah. The season-ending event will take place from Wednesday October 31 to Saturday November 3 as the players bid to secure one of the 15 coveted European Tour cards available for next season which are awarded to the top 15 players in the Rankings following the conclusion of play.
“Congratulations to Victor on securing his European Tour card for next season,” said Nick Tarratt, Director, European Tour International Dubai Office. “We can’t wait to welcome him on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai and look forward to finding out who will be joining him next year with the stage set for a fascinating end to the season at the stunning Al Hamra Golf Club for the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final as the stars of the future aim to get their hands on a European Tour card.”
MacIntyre’s runner-up finish earned him 44,599 points which gives him a great opportunity at following in Perez’s footsteps and sealing European Tour playing privileges next season after rising from 34thto 13thin the Road to Ras Al Khaimah on 99,243 points.
Meanwhile, American Sean Crocker also moved into the pivotal top 15 of the Road to Ras Al Khaimah after securing his third top three finish in his last four events. The 22 year old, who finished tied for 47that The Open Championship at Carnoustie, rises from 17thto 14thwith 96,574 points.
Dutchman Darius Van Driel secured his place at Al Hamra Golf Club for the season-ending tournament after a tied for fifth place finish saw him jump from 51stto 32ndwith 59,006 points, giving him one last crack at earning a European Tour card for next season.
The Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final, which is the 28thand final event on the season-long Road to Ras Al Khaimah, takes place at Al Hamra Golf Club from Wednesday October 31 to Saturday 3. Entry for spectators is free of charge.
