Lawrie looks to end 2012 as his best year ever, not his last chance to win

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Paul Lawrie has the chance this week to make his 21st season on the European Tour his best yet -- but he does not see it as his last chance.

The former British Open champion will turn 44 on New Year's Day, but following his return to the Ryder Cup after a 13-year gap and writing an autobiography, he hopes there are many more chapters to write.

"I've still got as much desire as anyone out here to practice and play and put the work in that's needed," Lawrie said at the DP World Tour Championship, where he was runner-up to Alvaro Quiros last December. "I don't see why I can't have an even better year next year than I've had this year."

He currently stands 10th on the money list. Sixth was his best -- not surprisingly in 1999 when he won the Open at Carnoustie -- but he could even get to be second behind Rory McIlroy by winning.

That would also take him to his highest-ever position in the world rankings. He has never been higher than his current 27th.

"It's been a few years since I was top 50 and it's been lovely to be back in it again -- and I've felt kind of pretty comfortable there," he said. "I think I've had nine top-10s, so it's been a fantastic year and I'm looking forward to capping it off with a good week this week."