Paul Lawrie buoyed by end of season finish

Lawrie picked up a cheque for more than €615,000 for finishing second in Dubai

Paul Lawrie declared himself satisfied with the season's work after his second place at the Dubai World Championship.

The Scot finished 18th in the European Tour rankings and sits sixth on the European Ryder Cup points list.

"Any time you have a year like that, you have to be pleased," he said.

"I worked very hard in the close season last winter. I was aware of being 42 and time is running out a wee bit, so if you're going to have another go at it, it has to be now."

Lawrie finished two shots behind Spaniard Alvaro Quiros in Dubai, which was one better than Luke Donald, who became the first man to win the US and European money lists in one year.

"It's nice to be there or thereabouts and have the chance to win tournaments again," added Lawrie.

The 1999 Open winner ended a near-nine-year trophy drought with victory at the Andalucia Open in March and managed fifth place finishes at the following tournaments in Barcelona and Mallorca.

A bumper runners-up cheque from Dubai meant Lawrie finished the campaign with earnings of €1,142,013.

The Aberdonian opened with a 65 and recovered from a 73 on Friday to card closing rounds of 66 and 67.

"It's a big event, with some great players," said Lawrie.

"To finish a shot ahead of Luke Donald, the first person to win the order of merit on both sides of the Atlantic, it's massive for me.

"Friday just killed me, I drove the ball very poorly on the back nine. You just can't give away those shots to these kind of players."

Lawrie intends to put in the hours of practice again over the winter break and a strong closing event has ensured his appetite for the game remains healthy.

"I've been doing it a long time now but I still look forward to the start of every season," he added.

"I still feel I've got a bit to give, so I'll just keep going."