Finishing 23rd in a 46-player event never felt so good for Conor Purcell who finished in style with a closing birdie to round off his Challenge Tour career and cap his promotion to the DP World Tour.
Purcell rolled in a ten foot birdie on the 18th and turned to his family who gave a large cheer when he fist pumped the putt home for a final round of 69 and a nine-under total.
“It was just so nice, I hit a poor tee shot and gave myself a great look. It’s nice to sign off on a positive note and bookmark the Challenge Tour with a birdie,” smiled the Portmarnock man.
At the time of writing the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final has reached the nitty gritty business end of the week. It is squeaky bum time as players look for late rallies to push themselves into the top-22 on the Challenge Tour Rankings to punch their tickets to the DP World Tour.
Purcell had no such worries this week with his promotion already sealed before a ball was hit. His hopes of becoming the first Irishman to win the Challenge Tour Rankings since Raymond Burns in 1994 ended on Friday but he has achieved his season-long goal of joining Europe’s top tier.
“It hasn’t sunk in fully yet, I’ll take in the next few weeks to enjoy the moment. It’s a time on my career I will look back on with fondness and I’m excited for the next few years,” said the 27-year-old.
“I’m over the moon, I knew coming into the week I was in a nice position so when it all settles down it’s an amazing feeling. It’s been a year to remember for sure to get my card, get my first pro win and get my second so soon after.”
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