Sitting 10th on the Order of Merit prior to the start of the Neuquen Argentina Classc, Ruffels was in danger of dropping down the moneylist as he began the final round in a tie for 35th despite playing the par-5 13th hole in 4-under the previous two days.

Two birdies were countered by two bogeys on the front nine but an eagle at the par-5 10th sparked a run that saw Ruffels pick up four shots in the space of six holes and climb 14 spots to be tied for 21st, eight shots back of winner Puma Dominguez.

With two events remaining Ruffels remains in 10th spot on the Order of Merit, less than $9,000 shy of the top five who earn automatic promotion to the US secondary tour next year.

On the Champions Tour, Victorian David McKenzie ended his season in positive fashion, picking up birdies at two of his final three holes to finish the Charles Schwab Cup Championship tied for 29th.

PGA TOUR-Latinoamerica
Neuquen Argentina Classic
Chapelco Golf Club, Neuquen, Argentina

T21         Ryan Ruffels       72-69-71-68—280             $US1,858

Champions Tour
Charles Schwab Cup Championship
Phoenix Country Club, Phoenix, Arizona

T29         David McKenzie                71-73-68-69—281