Ewen Ferguson targets PGA Tour after injury-hit spell

Ewen Ferguson said he is aiming for a place on the PGA Tour as he prepares for this week's season finale in Dubai after putting an injury-hit spell behind him, and has set his sights on bigger achievements in 2027.

The three-time DP World Tour winner said improved fitness, greater strength and a more consistent scoring game had provided encouragement ahead of the Dubai event; he is making his fifth consecutive appearance at the tournament. "My game this year has been consistent," the 30-year-old said. "My scoring average is lower than any other year but I've just not probably putted as well to get myself right in the mix to win a tournament. "That's been a bit disappointing but I've been working on it a lot and you just have to keep doing it. Hopefully, it comes at some point and I might just come at the right week at the right time at a big one." He was back in his homeland for July's Scottish Open.

After suffering a series of injuries, Ferguson spent the past four months working closely with gym coach Kenny McKenzie and said he feels stronger than he has for some time. "That's totally gone, which has been great," he added. "I've had no real pain anywhere." He also said: "I've been working hard in the gym, put on quite a bit of weight in the correct way and I'm hitting it a good bit further, which has been quite nice. "I noticed that even last week playing with Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood. I feel like I can keep up with them a lot of the time, which is a bit nicer."

Ferguson said the improved physical condition had allowed him to prepare more effectively and that he travels with a physiotherapist for 15 weeks of the year. He attributed part of his progress to greater consistency and a calmer approach on course. "I feel like when I'm out there and I hit bad ones, I kind of know why and I don't panic," he explained. "I'm probably a bit more flatlined now, which is probably a good thing for a golfer."

He retains Ryder Cup hopes but acknowledged he needs larger results to improve his world ranking. "I feel like I can compete," Ferguson said. "Whether I'm at that level of playing those tournaments week in, week out right now, I'm probably not there but I feel like I can be. "I'd love to be on the PGA Tour at some point and get myself out there with Bob [MacIntyre] and Sandy [Scott]."

Ferguson said a big performance in Dubai could boost his chances of securing a PGA Tour card, though he accepted the task would be difficult given the strength of the field. "It's definitely not beyond me but very difficult to do with the calibre of the field," he said, adding: "I know the course really well and I've done well here in the past. I know I can contend if I'm playing well." He also noted that his time living in the Middle East had taught him course management and how to play to conditions.

Calum Hill and Grant Forrest are the other two Scots in the field this week, and Ferguson welcomed Marc Warren's return to the DP World Tour after Warren earned his place via the second-tier Challenge Tour. "I'm looking forward to having Marc back out," Ferguson said. "We all know he's an incredible golfer. He's got one of the best swings on tour and when he gets hot, he's something else. It's pretty cool."

A strong showing at the Dubai season finale would improve Ferguson's prospects of securing a PGA Tour card, which he acknowledged would likely require a second-place finish or a victory.