Wilson wins again to edge closer to European Tour return

After his second win of the year, Wilson, 38, is now 15th on the Road to Oman points list with the top 15 winning tour cards for next season on the European Tour, so has a great chance to once more get his career back on course.

In July, the former Augusta State and Walker Cup player was ranked outside the top 2000 on the Official World Golf Ranking and had considered quitting the tour sphere completely.

Today, he is 272nd after wining the Swedish Challenge in August and then triumphing in Ireland.

The Challenge Tour event was played at Concra Wood, the 7,300-yard parkland course around Lough Muckno.

Despite testing conditions, Wilson won it with a 12-under 276 total after rounds of 69, 70, 68 and 69.

On a tour where it is usually make birdies or go home, only 17 players finished under par in a competition heavily influenced by crosswinds of up to 40 km/h on the final day.

“It was hard work today and a proper grind,” he said. “We knew it would be tough with strong crosswinds everywhere on a very tough course.

“So I was delighted to come through it. I could’ve made it easier for myself, but instead made it a little tricky when I was coming down the stretch.

“I had to keep hitting good shots and I managed to do that, and it wasn’t too stressful coming up the last.

“The par save on the 11th was pretty big for me. That felt pretty big just to keep my momentum going. I played pretty nice after that.

“I then just played pretty solid coming in. I missed a few putts, but overall in the conditions I played pretty well.”

He added: “I drove the ball really well this week so I was in play at nearly every hole. I really wasn’t in any trouble off any tee, so it’s a lot easier when you are playing for the fairways.

“I know how good I can be and how well I can play. I know what I am capable of. I have just got to stay in the moment.”