Callum Shinkwin admits it felt like he won a tournament after clinching his European Tour card at the Challenge Tour Grand Final in Oman.

The Moor Park golfer needed a top-four finish in the final event to secure a top-15 spot in the Road to Oman which would secure his European Tour membership.

Shinkwin did not disappoint as the 22-year-old finished in a tie for third on Saturday to earn his place alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose next season.

Shinkwin, who finished 13th in the overall standings after competing in 16 events, said: "It's basically a dream I've been trying to accomplish.

"I knew I needed to finish in the top four but then my playing partner Nacho Elvira holed a long putt at the last which made me sweat because I knew he was close in the standings.

"But when I found out I was in the top 15 it felt like a win because I had hit my goal. It was a win win situation because I managed to do this under pressure."

Shinkwin opened with a three-under-par 69 before shooting 72 in the second round. But two weekend rounds of 68 helped him finish on 11-under-par and just two shots behind tournament and Road to Oman winner Ricardo Gouveia.

This season Shinkwin set his goal to peak for the biggest tournaments and the strategy paid off as his consistency earned him promotion to the European Tour.

The Watford-born golfer was joint third in Turkey early on in the season before finishing tied seventh at the Madeira Islands Open which is a dual sanctioned event with the European Tour.

Shinkwin secured a top-three spot in Kazakhstan in September before finishing inside the top eight in China in his last event before the Grand Final.

He said: "In my first year I was getting used to life on tour and all the travelling. But this season I felt much more comfortable out there and I wanted to focus on the biggest events."

Shinkwin credits his success in the second half of the year to the addition of experienced caddie David McNeilly. The Northern Irish caddie has previously worked with six-time major champion Nick Faldo, Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington and Matteo Manassero.

"His experience and demeanour has really helped me," Shinkwin said. "He is very laid back like myself and we just have a good laugh out on the course."

Shinkwin defeated Matthew Fitzpatrick to win the English Amateur title two years ago and his opponent has since flourished on the European Tour.

Fitzpatrick recently won the British Masters and sits 12th in the Race to Dubai standings which gives Shinkwin belief he can follow in his footsteps.

Shinkwin said: "He is a world class player and you could see that. But it just gives you belief in yourself when you see his success. He burst into form and then got his first win which came quickly."

Looking ahead to his goals for next season, he said: "Hopefully I can come out the blocks quickly and get a win. I would like to play well, keep my card and also get into the top 60 of the Race to Dubai."

Shinkwin will start his European Tour season in South Africa at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek at the end of this month.

The Bushey-based golfer will be able to compete in virtually all the tournaments outside of the majors and World Golf Championships.

One event he is particularly looking forward to is at the Grove when the British Masters takes place next year.

Shinkwin said: "I practice there and have also won a couple of pro-ams there so hopefully I can have a good week.

"It will obviously be very nice and relaxing to stay at home and play with family and friends at the course."

The golfer is grateful for the support he has received from family, friends and sponsors.

Shinkwin said: "I want to mention my main sponsor Tom Gallagher at Elite Metalcraft, Eamon O'Connor at Connor Construction and Roland D'Souza at Croxley Tyres.

"I also want to thank Chris Bracher who is a family friend, Ritchie Dormer and Richard Blue. I also want to mention Aldenham Golf Club and lastly and most importantly my girlfriend Danielle Fletcher and my parents Kevin and Helen Shinkwin for all the support they give me."