Shane Lowry shot a stunning final round 63 at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai to finish 18-under-par in a tie for second with Kiradech Aphibarnrat, behind winner Jon Rahm.
England's Tommy Fleetwood was crowned European champion, winning the race to Dubai by 500,000 points from compatriot Justin Rose.
Lowry, who carded ten birdies, said his best finish of the season gave him something to smile about as he takes his Christmas break.
"The golf course is there for the taking, the greens are as good as you will see," said the Offaly man.
"I felt good out there, I didn’t know I was going to shoot that. I’m chuffed to shoot it."
Lowry has been performing consistently on the course in his recent tournaments and he feels like his game is really coming together.
"My iron play has been great over the last few weeks; I’ve given myself lots of chances," he told Sky Sports.
His lowest round since 2011 ✍🏼
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 19, 2017
Currently tied second. pic.twitter.com/MBZLhRVTLy
"I managed to hole a few putts and this week I feel like I drove it well, I felt like my whole game came together this week.
"I had a disappointing finish yesterday and that really put me out of the running to win the tournament.
"But I’m 18-under I’m sure the leaders will get to 20 odd. I’ll wait around for 20 minutes to see what they get to.
"I’ll head off then I’m happy with my result a few world ranking points and a few Ryder Cup points as well.
"I’m looking forward to some time off in the winter and then back out in January."
Spain's Rahm won as Justin Rose's dramatic late collapse saw Tommy Fleetwood crowned European number one.
Rose looked set for a remarkable third win in succession to seal a second Race to Dubai title when he led by a shot with seven holes to play, only to bogey three of the next five.
He's done it.
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 19, 2017
Jon Rahm wins the @DPWTC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/g6tQKWrc5C
That left the Olympic champion needing to eagle the last to overhaul Fleetwood, but his long-range attempt slid past the hole as Fleetwood looked on alongside his fiancee Clare and their seven-week-old son.
Rose had to settle for a tie for fourth on 17 under par, two shots behind European Tour rookie of the year Rahm, who secured his second victory of the season thanks to a closing 67.
The 23-year-old, who only turned professional in June last year, finished a shot ahead of Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Lowry, whose 63 equalled the lowest round of the week.
Masters champion Sergio Garcia and the South Africa duo of Dean Burmester and Dylan Frittelli were alongside Rose, with Fleetwood in a tie for 21st after a final round of 74.
