Marc Warren paid an unexpected visit to a picnicking family, had to play a shot left-handed for the second time this week, but still got the birdie he felt he needed on the 18th at Wentworth.
The Scot told his caddie on the 10th that he had to be three-under for the rest of the way in the final round of the BMW PGA Championship to be sure of being the world’s top 60 and thereby securing a place in next month’s US Open.
He duly birdied 12, 16 and 17 but perhaps was so focused he lost count and still thought he needed another down the 18th.
It was an adventurous one, hitting his three-wood tee shot up the tree line close to where a family had laid their picnic blanket. He turned his lob wedge left handed to play out past the sausage rolls, hit a seven iron to 15 feet and made it for a finish inside the top 20.
“I said at the start that the minimum had to be the 60s today,” he said after his 69.
“Playing for something like a US Open spot gives you the motivation even though you are out of the tournament, it gives you something to get your teeth into. It’s nice to go to the Irish Open with that weight off.”
The Scot has heard lots about Chambers Bay, the venue for the US Open, but is content it’ll be new for everyone.
“There’s going to be a lot of firsts that week, with holes changing par, run offs as quick as greens, sloping tee boxes, but it’ll be a more level playing field as a result,” he added. “You’re going to have to do your homework properly and I’m getting a DVD of key bits of the course from one of the Sky Sports guys who has been there already.
“I’m now in the last three majors of the season for the first time, so that’s good. You’ve got to be in these events if you’re wanting to be in a Ryder Cup team.”
Scott Jamieson finished with a 70 for four-under and a tied 26th finish while Chris Doak was back in 63rd after a 75.