Masters’ victory moves Lawrence to top 100
Former Lowvelder, Thriston Lawrence, has achieved his boyhood dream of being ranked in the top 100 in world golf.
He won the DP Tour Omega European Masters, that was played at Cranssur-Sierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Switzerland from last Thursday to Sunday.
Lawrence and Englishman, Matt
Wallace, both finished on 18 under par after four rounds. The South African won on the first play-off hole (18), four strokes to Wallace's five.
Alejandro Cañizares from Spain and Lawrence shared the lead after the first round with a scores of -8
Lawrence's bogeyfree round included six birdies and an eagle.
The Spaniard shot a 63 on day two to hold a one shot lead over Lawrence.
A 73 on the third round dropped Cañizares down to fifth place.
Lawrence shot a 67 to go top of the leaderboard.
Three shots adrift was Wallace whose 68 took him to second place.
Wallace and Lawrence were tied on -18 after 72 holes. Wallace played a brilliant 66 in the fourth round.
The first play-off hole was the 18, and Lawrence held his nerve to take the title. He pocketed R5.7m for his effort. Lawrence shot rounds of 62, 64, 67 and 69.
The former Laerskool Nelspruit and Hoërskool Nelspruit pupil moved up one place to ninth of the
DP Tour rankings.
It was the
Mbombela Golf Club affiliated player's second DP Tour victory after winning the Joburg Open in November last year.
"It's a privilege to be able to take this victory. There's so much history around this event, all the past champions.
"It's a tricky golf course. You can lose a few shots, especially around the 14th, 15th, par fives. You can make a silly mistake and another guy can make birdies.
"But I'm just happy with my patience this week and I'm just so pleased to be able to win," he said.
The win took Lawrence to a career high world ranking of 87.
"It's a dream come true. Growing up, you always want to be in the top 100 in the world and to achieve it is quite emotional," he said.
Lawrence will tee off in the DP Tour's Made in Himmerland tournament at the Himmerland Golf and Spa resort in Denmark today.
Thriston Lawrence in action during the fourth and final round of the Omega European Masters Golf Tournament in CransMontana, Switzerland.