SOUTHEND’S Richard McEvoy takes to the fairways at the Joburg Open today buoyed by one of his best ever showings on the European Tour last weekend.

The Thorpe Hall professional finished tied seventh last weekend at the Indian Open, firing himself up the European Tour rankings and kickstarting his season.

Things could have been even better for McEvoy in Delhi who finished just two shots off the eventual winner, home favourite Anirban Lahiri.

And McEvoy can’t help but think what might have been.

He said: “I’m pleased to have shot a one-under par round of 70 on a windswept final day and share seventh place but it could have been better and I left with mixed emotions.

“I had a chip for a birdie at the par-three 17th which would have taken me to one shot off the leader.

“But not only did I fail to hole that shot, but I also missed a 3ft putt to save par and that was my chance gone.

“I’m a little bit disappointed with the way things went on the greens in particular.

“I played some really nice golf. I kept the ball in play all week. I think I only had one ball that went out of play in 72 holes which is quite an achievement.

“I would definitely been in with a chance (of winning) if I had taken my chance.”

Despite the nagging feeling of what might have been, McEvoy said he was generally delighted with his form which he hopes to continue now over a busy few weeks.

“My game is looking good and I’m looking forward to the next few weeks,” he said.

“It’s a good positive start for the year which is not usually the thing I do. I’m usually a late comer and come strong at the end of the year.

“Fingers crossed I can get myself into a position where I can come strong at the start of the year and relax a bit towards the end of the year.”

McEvoy won 33,826 euros for this seventh place in Dubai and goes to 103 in the Race to Dubai rankings.

Two places below McEvoy in the rankings is Basildon’s Daniel Brooks who did not play the Indian Open but will be back in action at today’s Joburg Open.