Ridge rides crest of a wave as Horizon stars shine

SUPER agent Conor Ridge experienced an emotional Sunday at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The day ended with Ridge’s new Horizon Sports Management signing Rory McIlroy capturing his fifth professional title after holing an 18-hole bunker shot.

But hours earlier, Ridge was enduring an anxious time striving to establish if Gareth Maybin had done enough in recording a final round 69 to retain his Tour card for 2012.

While Maybin showered and changed, Ridge was seated with a Tour official, working out the possible permutations for his client. Ultimately his share of 33rd spot saw the Ballyclare golfer retain his card by finishing 117th in the rankings — one spot, and €2,724, inside the leading 118 cut off.

Damien McGrane who had missed the Hong Kong Open halfway cut but finished 115th on the Race to Dubai money list also secured his card, by €6,855.

Dubliner Peter Lawrie this week joins McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Shane Lowry in Dubai as a last round 71 jumps him three places from the Dubai World Championship cut-off mark of 60th to 57th.

The only Hong Kong disappointment was the effort of former champion, Pádraig Harrington who ended his poorest-ever season in 67th place on the Race to Dubai. Harrington added the Hong Kong event to his schedule but rounds of 70, 71, 70 and 73 saw him finish in a tie for 51st to remain 67th on the money list. The triple Major winner’s sole comfort is an extra week’s holiday.