DAVID Drysdale is set to make his first return to Qualifying School since 2008 despite a top-ten finish at the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.

The former Dunbar Grammar School pupil finished 158th in the Race to Dubai standings, ensuring a return to Q School and narrowly missing out on going straight to the final stage.

Drysdale finished on 17-under-par after carding 66, 68, 65 and 68 over the four rounds at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in the Algarve.

He finished 13 shots behind the eventual winner Jordan Smith, the Englishman carding an incredible 30-under-par to win by three strokes.

But despite collecting more than €43,000, he will be forced to return to Q School, entering at the second stage at Desert Springs Golf Club in Almería today (Thursday).

The final stage, should Drysdale progress, will take place next week in Tarragona on the Lakes Course at Infinitum with 25 spots (and ties) available for next year’s tour.

Drysdale’s wife Victoria congratulated her husband on an incredible 574 consecutive tournaments on tour and relished the challenge of Q School.

She said on Twitter: “Proud of my hubby the way he played at the Portugal Masters this week. Thank you to all who supported us this season. It hasn’t been the best year; however, 574 tournaments. DP World Tour you ain’t seen the last of #TeamDD just yet #nextstopQSchool.”

Grant Forrest also competed in Portugal but missed the cut following two rounds of 70. He sits 93rd in the standings, with his tour card secured.

Richie Ramsay did not take part but finds himself in 29th overall.