Craig Lee is now under even more pressure to fight off the vultures and hang on to his European Tour heading into this week’s Portugal Masters at Vilamoura.
The Stirling golfer tees up this afternoon lying in 110th place on the Race to Dubai money list and right on the cut-off mark for those hoping to retain 2017 Tour membership.
And the £2.68m Portugal event is the last "regular" 2016 tournament for the likes of Lee and others seeking to retain full playing rights for next year.
The event is being staged on the Oceanico Victoria course – the first course designed by Arnold Palmer to host an event since the legendary golfer died last month.
However, the Tour has added extra pressure by grouping Lee with those ranked 109th and 111th on the money list.
American Daniel Im (109th) is just £820 ahead of Lee while England’s Eddie Pepperell (111th) is £916 adrift of Lee. Also, there is South African Zander Lombard (112th) only £32 behind Pepperell and £1888 shy of Lee.
And there’s players like former champion, Alvaro Quiros (2008) back in 135th place on the Race to Dubai who would need to finish in the top-five to knock Lee out of the top-110 if Lee should miss the cut.
However, Lee’s no stranger to the anxiety of heading to a last "regular" Tour looking to wrap up his card, having travelled to Hong Kong a year ago.
Lee had finished the best of seven Scots posting an equal 2015 lowest final round of 65 and share sixth place.
He probably didn’t need to undertake the 11,000-mile round-trip to Hong Kong, and last year’s final regular Tour event, but Lee was lying 104th on the money list and eventually returned home 100th and 10 spots inside the 110th cut-off mark.
Now, for a third year running, it is much the same scenario for the 39-year old Scot.
“I needed a big week here in Portugal last year and I managed that, so here’s hoping for much the same this week," he said
“I haven’t done the maths this week but the first goal is making the cut and I’ll take it from there.
“The good thing is I like this course and it’s a course I can score on, and to finish with a 65 last year was a great effort and that’s what I will be looking to do straight away this week.”
And Lee’s not the only one under pressure as Scott Jamieson is lying 107th and only £29,000, or a 15th place finish this week, ahead of his compatriot.
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