A year to remember for Richie

He's been on the European/DP World Tour for 14 successive seasons. But Carbon ambassador Richie Ramsay’s 19th place finish was his highest ever in the Order of Merit. With a return to the winner’s circle thrown into the mix, 2022 has certainly proved a year to remember for the Scots professional.

“It was great being back involved in the Race to Dubai finale to the season. Finishing in the top 20 was a nice way to finish off the year. My previous best had been 22^nd.

“Having missed out on Dubai for a few years made it all the sweeter. Any time something you value is taken away makes you even more determined to make the most of it when you get it back.

“Only the top 50 players make it to Dubai. You look around the locker room and see guys like Rory (McIlory), Tommy (Fleetwood), Jon (Rham), Shane (Lowry) - players you want to match yourself against and compete with.

“That is an uplifting environment and it felt like I had accomplished something this season. It was vindication for all the hard work I had put in on and off the golf course.

“I could give myself a pat on the back – but it also served to motivate me for next season.

“The highlight of the year has to be winning my fourth title and for the first time since 2015.

“You don’t hole putts on the putting green when you are nine years old to make cuts, you are imagining it is for winning a trophy. So when I holed that nine-footer at Hillside in July to win the Cazoo Classic 30 years down the road, it was a special moment.

“The fact I had promised my daughter Olivia a trophy made it extra special. That meant it cut a bit deeper for me.

“I’m 39 now and there is a new generation of Scots golfers coming through. I spend a bit of time around them and they are buzzing being out there on tour.

“We are all naturally competitive. They are all so enthusiastic and there’s no doubt that has been rubbing off on me and spurring me on.

“I always remember the famous Jim Telfer line from a Lions documentary, when he is asking if the guys can say they are giving their best. If not, then they have to do something about it.

“That has been my approach. One thing is for sure though, it’s certainly good to see the Saltires on the Tour leader boards.

“I am a little bit wiser and train smarter these days, I suppose. I understand this won’t last forever but my body has been good this year and all the gym hours have paid dividends. I want to make the most of the time I have left at the top level.

“I have also managed to do my own thing, trusting people in my team who know me and who are always positive. That’s priceless. I don’t have to worry about what other people are doing and what might be popping up on social media.

“I’ll be enjoying some family time over the Festive Season and cracking on with off-course work and my gym schedule. Abu Dhabi and the Middle East Swing in January will signal the start of the new season for me.

“Another huge plus is that I’ll be in The Open next year. That’s something else to look forward to.

“In the meantime, I’d like to thank the team at Carbon and my other sponsors for their fantastic support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.”