Speaking after his historic achievement, Ritchie, who finished with 1 674.3 points from 19 tournaments, said it has been a dream season and that he is proud of the work he has put in. “It hasn’t really sunk in. I don’t understand what I’ve done. I think I’ve had an unbelievable season. When I fly back home, or maybe even tonight, I’ll sit down and have a think. It’s been a dream season for me. It was something that one of my first coaches told me, when I was preparing to be on Tour. He said to try to be the best on every Tour before you level up or try to be in the top ten. I managed to win the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit, and then it has taken time to learn how to play out here and compete. “I’m really chuffed with the work I’ve done. This has been an awesome opportunity for us to be able to graduate to the DP World Tour. I’ve really worked hard. I’m not the person I was last year. I’m happier with my game, I know what I’m doing and I’m glad I’ve managed to prove to myself that I’m good enough to play out here and compete at a higher level,” said Ritchie. He added that he is looking forward to playing on the DP World Tour. The 31-year-old secured automatic promotion to the DP World Tour after winning three times in the space of five HotelPlanner Tour starts. “I can’t wait. I’d like to start playing on the DP World Tour next week. Part of the system I’ve had this year is taking nice breaks between events and planning a steady schedule, so I’ll have some time back home to enjoy with the family now before the last stretch before Christmas. Hopefully I can keep the momentum going,” he said.