Conor Purcell’s hopes of topping the Challenge Tour rankings are over heading into the final round of the Rolex Grand Final but he will take a moment to reflect on how proud he is of himself when he joins his fellow DP World Tour graduates on Sunday evening in Mallorca.
After two victories and four top-10s before this week Purcell had sealed his promotion to the DP World Tour and he is looking forward to enjoying the moment on the 18th green surrounded by family.
“I feel proud of myself. Anyone out here knows how difficult it is,” said the Portmarnock man.
“When I stood back from last year being so close I felt so far away I thought ‘jeez I played well this year’ but there was still so much to give but to back it up and fully cement my place feels good to know the work I am putting in is being rewarded.
“It’s been five years since I turned pro and I have been on mini tours and Challenge Tour in that time, I hope it will be my last Challenge Tour event and yeah just enjoy the moment.
“It’s nice my other brother will come out tomorrow and support so will have even more people so it will be nice to celebrate it with everyone.”
Purcell’s chances of becoming the first Irishman since Raymond Burns in 1994 to win the Challenge Tour order of merit ended after a second round of 75 but he responded well with a third round 68 to climb into a share of 22nd position on six-under-par.
“A bit better, it’s funny the game hasn’t really changed, still hitting a lot of poor shots, don’t really feel in control just held a few momentum putts and got the ball rolling.
“It’s been an up and down week, started off really nice in a great position coming into it with rankings and stuff. It’s always hard to separate yourself from the result every given week, even though I have my card wrapped up you are always going to get annoyed about bad golf I thought I would be more chilled out.”
Purcell embarked on a birdie, bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie run from the third hole but steadied the ship with a clean back nine that included birdies on 11, 12 and 15.
“It was nice to give myself chances, yesterday I didn’t do that. I feel like I can hole a few putts once I do and I did a good job of that today. Bar a few mistakes early doors it was pretty good.”
Purcell’s career is on an upward trajectory but he played his third round with six-time DP World Tour winner Alex Levy.
The Frenchman lost his card last year and has had to work his way back up and he will join Purcell in celebrating promotion on Sunday.
“I’ve got to know Alex quite well this year, it’s amazing no matter what level you get to it can be taken away from you so quickly. Credit to him he has worked really hard this year he’s one of the hardest workers out here so good to see him back up.
“I enjoy playing where there is an atmosphere and people around so hopefully we can get tousles into positions where people can follow us.”
Gary Hurley and Dermot McElroy will be looking to find some late form heading to the Final Stage of Q-School next week.
Hurley carded an eagle, triple bogey and double bogey in an eventful round of 75 as he fell back to 35th on two-under while McElroy is level par after a 72 and in 42nd.
Rasmus Neergaard Petersen leads by the minimum heading into the final round.
The Dane carded a round of 62 to hit the front on 22-under-par as he looks to wrap up both the Grand Final and Road to Mallorca Rankings title.
Local favourite Angel Ayora is in second place despite a round of 68.
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