The former World Cup winner signed off from another solid week on the main circuit with a two-under 70 over the Old Course at St Andrews yesterday for a nine-under 279 in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Warren just managed to hold on to his Tour card with a share of fifth in last year's Dunhill event.

The 30-year-old arrived in the home of golf this week in a far more comfortable position on the rankings, however. He is now 46th on the money list and on course for a spot in the lucrative Dubai World Championship.

Warren, who finished alongside fellow Glasgow man Scott Jamieson and picked up £19,073, said: "This time last year I was under a lot of pressure to keep my card and I did it at this event.

"This week has been a much more pleasurable experience knowing that I'm not here battling to do that.

"The goal is now to kick on and finish as high as I can on the Race to Dubai. I've never been higher than 42nd (in 2006 and 2007) so getting up above that is a big target. The top 30 also get into The Open so that would be a big goal."

At the head of the Dunhill field, rising South African star Branden Grace closed with a two-under 70 for a 22-under 266 to complete a wire-to-wire win.