The 22-year-old showed no signs of nerves at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, posting rounds of 68, 69, 68 and 67 in a hugely promising display which earned him €29,050. Had he squeezed into the top ten, he would have earned a place in this week's British Masters.

The performance came just days after Syme signed with MODEST! Golf Management after his appearance for GB&I in the Walker Cup and Horan - one of the management company's directors - took to Twitter to praise the young Scot to his following of more than 34 million.

Scenes! 2weeks ago he was an amateur golfer.This week he is T12 at #PortugalMasters on the @EuropeanTour . Congratulations @connor_syme ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/YnT9lanN0K

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) September 24, 2017

@connor_syme ! Top guy, top player and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this man pic.twitter.com/H3hmH2VgBG

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) September 24, 2017

Marc Warren, meanwhile, enjoyed his best finish on the European Tour for almost three years after finishing runner-up on 16-under-par - four behind Bjerregaard.

“I didn't look at the leaderboard," said Warren, who jumped up the Race to Dubai to 100th. "I knew the middle of the back nine Lucas was a few in front, so I was just trying to finish as best as I could. You know, trying not to go chasing it, stay patient.

“I knew going out today that I obviously needed a good round. You know, you’re in contention and conditions were favourable again. The wind was a little bit less than yesterday. Greens seemed a little bit softer, as well, which helps approach shots.

“It's just nice to be pretty much 100% again," added Warren, who has struggled for a while due to a shoulder injury. "Driving the ball as well as I have done, if I keep the driving stats up, the short game is pretty good, I think we can have a good, strong finish to the season.”