Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara booked his European Tour card for next season by beating Briton David Lynn in a playoff to claim the Austrian Open title.

European Ryder Cup players Graeme McDowell and Miguel Angel Jimenez continued their preparations for the match against the United States with solid displays, the former finishing just three shots back in a tie for third place.

Lara stormed into contention with a closing eight-under 64 including six back-nine birdies to finish on 17 under par.

After Lynn could only muster a five on the first playoff hole, Lara made par to secure his first tour win in four years.

"I saved my card today. I've been struggling in the last few years and I've missed too many cuts," Lara told the European Tour website.

US Open champion McDowell had not played a tournament for a month and was making his last appearance before the October 1-3 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales.

The Northern Irishman recorded a fourth consecutive score in the 60s to finish level with fellow Briton Danny Willett and Swede Alexander Noren, taking him closer to European Tour money list leader Martin Kaymer of Germany.

Spaniard Jimenez also strung together some solid golf to end on 279 following a closing 69.

Austrian schoolboy Matthias Schwab fell down the leaderboard after closing with a 75 but he finished tied 32nd, the best performance by a 15-year-old on the European Tour.

Reuters