JOHANNESBURG Thriston LawrenceHe won his home South African Open, despite a final round 2-over 74 at Blair Atholl on Sunday.
Lawrence began the day with a lead of 2 shots over Clement Sordet, France. However, he was able to extend his lead to 5 strokes on the back nine and the South African managed to hold off his playing partner to complete the round with an overall 16-under 272.
This is his third European tour win, following wins at Joburg Open in 2011 and the European Masters August.
Lawrence said, This is what you aim for, being a child, to win such an prestigious event in front a great crowd. It was easy to go through the round, and then it was over.
He stated, I was able get it done and Im really satisfied.
Jens FahrbringSweden (70) was third, 2 shots behind the pace, and Germany (109). Matti SchmidFinished fourth, just 3 strokes behind.
Lawrence Bogeyed 14th, Sordet made birdie. And worse was to follow on the next hole when Lawrence pulled his approach over green and into the water for a double-bogey.
Another missed shot on No. 16 meant Lawrence and Sordet were tied in the lead. However, Sordet bogeyed the 17th after failing from a greenside bunker.
Sordet found more sand on the par-5 18th, but was unable to find enough birdies to force a playoff.
This tournament was the second of three in South Africa as part of the European Tours season 2023.
