Thriston Lawrence: Rising Star at The 152nd Open Championship
In his third consecutive appearance at The Open Championship, Thriston Lawrence played his way into contention to win his first Major Championship at The 152nd Open on a dramatic day where the changeable British weather brought the field back together at Royal Troon. Beginning the third round at three over, ten shots adrift of 36-hole leader Shane Lowry, Lawrence capitalized on calm conditions on his front nine before staying tough as the rain arrived to card a six-under-par 65 – matching the best score of the week – to finish at three under, one shot adrift of 54-hole leader Billy Horschel.
Reflecting on whether his goals have changed following his big move on Saturday, he said: “I teed it up on Thursday trying to win. Whatever happens in between up until Sunday is out of my control, but the game plan doesn’t change and the mentality doesn’t change. Hopefully, I’m in with a couple of shots going tomorrow, but I’m going to just try to do the same thing, be aggressive and try to win a golf tournament.”
Here are five things to know about one of the DP World Tour’s most prominent South African golfers, who will be in the final group on Sunday.
His Transition from Successful Amateur to the Paid Ranks
With victories at the South African Amateur Championship in both 2013 and 2014, Lawrence became the first player to win the honour back-to-back for 36 years. Away from his homeland, he earned further international recognition as an amateur by winning the prestigious Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, two years on from having watched countryman Ernie Els win the Open Championship for a second time at the same venue. Rounds of 72-69-72-68 saw him finish one stroke ahead of the Netherlands’ Darius van Driel, a fellow future DP World Tour member.
Over the following couple of years, he split his time by playing predominantly on the EuroPro Tour and the Challenge Tour. After joining the paid ranks in 2014, he won his first title as a professional on the MENA Tour at the 2015 Ras Al Khaimah Classic, overcoming former Open champion Darren Clarke in a five-man play-off. It was a result that helped him top the Order of Merit that season. Alongside starts on the Sunshine Tour, he gained further international experience on the European Challenge Tour but missed seven cuts in ten starts.
He would have to wait until 2018 for his second piece of silverware which came on the Big Easy Tour, a developmental tour based in his homeland. Later that year, he gained his card for the 2019-20 campaign on the Sunshine Tour and quickly went on to win at the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Stellenbosch.
First Winner of the DP World Tour Era
His big breakthrough came at the 2021 Joburg Open, co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour, in the inaugural event of the DP World Tour era. With the event already reduced to 54 holes after the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, inclement weather then led to the scheduled third round being abandoned. He had opened up a four-shot lead with a pair of 65s at Randpark Golf Club. Victory in his 22nd DP World Tour start saw him earn DP World Tour exemption through to the end of the 2023 campaign but better was still to come.
Rise to Prominence Continues
After his perfect start to the 2022 season, Lawrence continued to impress with a sequence of three consecutive top tens in Africa. After making his Major Championship debut at the historic 150th Open at St Andrews, he landed his second DP World Tour victory at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland. That win saw him climb into the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time before another landmark moment came when he was named as the first South African to win the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award.
He claimed his third DP World Tour title in his national Open towards the start of the 2023 Race to Dubai campaign before a fourth DP World Tour title in 19 months followed at the BMW International Open in Germany in June 2023, emulating Ernie Els as just the second South African winner. The win was made more emotional as it came shortly after a difficult stretch of starts on American soil in which he made just one cut.
A Love for Fishing
Many people escape from work by playing golf. However, Lawrence likes to get away from the pressures of the game by going fishing. He is not alone on the DP World Tour, with New Zealander Ryan Fox another keen angler. Such is Lawrence’s passion for fishing, he created a dedicated Instagram account called golfergonefishing.
Playing Status on PGA TOUR on the Horizon
With ten PGA TOUR cards available via the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex to the highest finishers not already exempt, Lawrence will hope to boost his development by becoming a dual member. With five top tens already so far this season on the DP World Tour, the 27-year-old sits 15th on the season-long standings. Going into The Open, he was ninth on the list of players who are not already exempt on the PGA TOUR, so with big points on offer at the final Major of the season, he will be looking to improve his bid for status stateside with a strong final round in Ayrshire.
Thriston Lawrence’s Path to Glory
Early Years and Amateur Success
Thurston Lawrence’s journey in golf began at a young age, showing promise and determination that would eventually lead him to the professional ranks. His amateur career was marked by significant achievements, particularly his back-to-back victories at the South African Amateur Championship in 2013 and 2014. This feat, not achieved for 36 years, highlighted his consistency and skill.
The international stage beckoned, and Lawrence responded by winning the prestigious Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club. His performance there, especially in challenging conditions, showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. This victory, coupled with his domestic success, set the stage for his transition to professional golf.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Professional Tour
Lawrence’s early professional career was a mix of highs and lows. His first significant professional victory came on the MENA Tour at the 2015 Ras Al Khaimah Classic. The win, which included overcoming former Open champion Darren Clarke in a five-man play-off, was a testament to his grit and determination.
However, the path was not always smooth. His initial forays on the European Challenge Tour were challenging, with several missed cuts. Despite these setbacks, Lawrence’s resilience saw him through, and he eventually found success on the Big Easy Tour, a developmental circuit in South Africa. His perseverance paid off, earning him a place on the Sunshine Tour, where he quickly made his mark by winning the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Stellenbosch.
The Breakthrough at the DP World Tour
The 2021 Joburg Open marked a turning point in Lawrence’s career. This event, the inaugural tournament of the DP World Tour era, saw Lawrence seize the opportunity to make his mark. Despite the challenges posed by the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant and inclement weather, Lawrence’s performance was stellar. His back-to-back 65s at Randpark Golf Club secured him a four-shot lead and ultimately the title when the tournament was shortened to 54 holes.
This victory was more than just a win; it was a statement. It earned Lawrence an exemption on the DP World Tour until the end of the 2023 season, providing him with the platform to further establish himself on the international stage.
Continuing the Momentum
Lawrence’s success at the Joburg Open was the catalyst for a series of impressive performances. The 2022 season began with three consecutive top-ten finishes in Africa, demonstrating his ability to maintain high-performance levels. His Major Championship debut at the 150th Open at St Andrews was another significant milestone, providing invaluable experience on one of golf’s biggest stages.
The highlight of 2022 came with his victory at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland. This win propelled him into the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking, a significant achievement for any golfer. His recognition as the first South African to win the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award was the cherry on top of an outstanding year.
Success in 2023 and Beyond
Lawrence’s success continued into 2023. He claimed his third DP World Tour title in his national Open early in the Race to Dubai campaign. This victory was followed by another triumph at the BMW International Open in Germany, making him only the second South African to win this prestigious tournament, following in the footsteps of Ernie Els.
These victories were particularly sweet given the challenges Lawrence faced on the American circuit, where he struggled to make cuts. His ability to bounce back and win in Europe demonstrated his resilience and adaptability.
Life Beyond Golf: The Passion for Fishing
Away from the golf course, Lawrence finds solace in fishing. This hobby provides a much-needed escape from the pressures of professional golf. His passion for fishing is so profound that he created a dedicated Instagram account, golfergonefishing, where he shares his fishing adventures.
Fishing allows Lawrence to unwind and recharge, providing a balance to his intense competitive life. It also connects him with fellow golfers who share the same interest, such as New Zealander Ryan Fox.
Eyeing the PGA TOUR
Looking ahead, Lawrence has his sights set on the PGA TOUR. With ten PGA TOUR cards available through the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex for the highest finishers not already exempt, Lawrence is well-positioned to secure his place. His consistent performances on the DP World Tour have placed him 15th in the season-long standings, and he was ninth among players not already exempt on the PGA TOUR going into The Open.
A strong final round at The Open could significantly boost his chances of securing a PGA TOUR card, opening new opportunities for him to compete against the world’s best golfers on one of the most prestigious tours.
Conclusion
Thriston Lawrence‘s journey from a successful amateur to a rising star on the DP World Tour is a testament to his talent, hard work, and resilience. His impressive performances, particularly in 2022 and 2023, have established him as one of South Africa’s leading golfers. As he continues to pursue his dream of competing on the PGA TOUR, Lawrence’s story is one of perseverance and determination, inspiring many aspiring golfers.
Whether he is on the golf course or out fishing, Lawrence’s passion and dedication shine through, making him a standout figure in the world of golf. As he prepares for the final round at The Open, the golfing world will be watching closely, eager to see if he can cap off his remarkable journey with a Major Championship victory.
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