Joy extends beyond Olesen in Perth

DavidDrysdale

Overnight leader Olesen's three-shot triumph meant Sunday did not provide the usual drama atop the leaderboard at Lake Karrinyup.

Yet there were more reasons to analyse the lower reaches of the standings than usual as players scrapped to retain their Tour card during the final event of the regular season.

David Drysdale, Matthew Nixon and Antony Wall all achieved that feat, with the former's effort particularly impressive.

Drysdale hit a stunning three-iron to the middle of the 18th green before sinking a 30-foot birdie putt to get the job done, although he had required only a par.

“I am still shaking from that putt on the last,” he said moments later. “It was not the best of days as I struggled a bit but standing in the fairway on the last faced with 202 yards into the wind and a three iron in my hand thinking I had to get up and down to have a chance. 

"To see that putt drop on the last was unbelievable. I came here thinking I had to finish seventh to keep my card so I am delighted.”

Nixon, who headed into the week as the man occupying the last qualifying spot, added: “It’s been a long week and feel as if I have lost a few years from my life, but I feel I have done everything I could.

"I knew I had to play well and give myself an opportunity.”

While the men who narrowly kept their cards will look forward to some time off, Olesen - whose last triumph came in Sicily two years ago - faces a crucial few weeks as he prepares for the Final Series.

He said: “It’s been a couple of years since I won last time, so this gives me a lot of confidence and belief for the last bit of the season. This has been a great week and I’ve really enjoyed being here.”

While the likes of Drysdale and Olesen ended the day on a high, Andrea Pavan endured a miserable finish.

Having put himself in position to secure his card by playing the first 14 holes at five under, the Italian undid his hard work with a bogey on 16 and double bogey at 18.

“I was struggling with my driving and the last few holes you have to drive well," said the Italian. "For 69 holes I played well but not the last three. That’s golf. I gave it a fight and just wasn’t this time.”

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