Important at both ends of the leaderboard

Sergio Garcia showed why Thomas Bjorn had so much faith in him by winning the Andalusian Masters around his favourite course last week at Valderamma. In weather affected conditions, the Spaniard finished top of the tree by four shots from Shane Lowry. The event was more important at the "other" end of the Order of merit as it was the last counting event for everyone to maintain their playing privileges for 2019.The man on the bubble at 116 was a very relieved David Horsey.

The stress of making enough money on the last week of the Tour has to be worse than trying to win any event. All of a sudden each birdie or dropped shot bears an even bigger relevance on if you’re safe, or not safe. Unfortunately the only Essex man to not make it was Dan Brooks, who has struggled with an injury for most of the season and will now have to go through the trauma of Tour School later in the year. For the others, Matt Southgate continues to solidify his position while a pleasant return of form, and Richie McEvoy who won for the first time in Germany at the European Open. Ollie Fisher made history with the Tours first official 59 in Portugal and all three now head for the season closing Race to Dubai events in Turkey, South Africa and finally Dubai. The money trebles for these events which should entice many of Europe's top players to tee up should they choose to do so. Good luck to all three, just keep doing what you have been doing and Christmas should come early!