Europe the aim for Rankin

Golfer Brett Rankin is holding on off finalising his 2019 plans as he chases an elusive European Tour ticket.

GOLFER Brett Rankin is holding on off finalising his 2019 plans as he chases an elusive European Tour ticket.

Ranking fell two shots short of securing a place in the third and final stage of the European Qualifying School earlier this month in Spain.

Making the final stage would have given Rankin secondary status Tour status and entry into select events while a top 25 finish would have given him a full card.

QUIRKY PGA GOLF STORIES

“It was disappointing because I felt I played nice all week,” Rankin said.

“I was doing some good stuff but I hit too many bogeys and made a couple of poor game management errors during the four days.

Brett Rankin of Australia plays a shot from the 15th tee during round 3 of the Australian Open Golf Tournament at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, Saturday, November 17, 2018. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

“I look back and all I needed was to tidy up a couple of shots and get through.”

The Brisbane-based player, who trains at KDV Sport in Carrara, said he will likely stick to Australian events next year or potentially look at trying to qualify for the China Tour or European Tour again.

SCOTT TURNS MENTOR

But he isn’t locking anything in because a win at this week’s Australian PGA Championship will give him a two-year exemption for the European Tour.

The 32-year-old said getting a spot on the European Tour would be life changing and declared he was in good enough form to win this week.

“It would be pretty awesome to get a card for Europe,” Rankin said.

“It’s the second biggest Tour in the world. There is a lot of world golf ranking points on offer, good money and good sponsorship. Getting a Tour card over there could set you up for the rest of your life.

“It’s just a matter of having a good week at the right time.

“Thre are so many good players in Australia at the moment.

“The guys that make it out are the ones who have a good week at the right time.”