South African Golfer Thriston Lawrence Makes History in Switzerland

Photo Credit: Thriston Lawrence

The South African produced a remarkable comeback in Crans Montana, finishing the tournament alongside Seve Ballesteros in the record books.

Switzerland (08 September 2026) – Thriston Lawrence has produced one of those final rounds that will be talked about for a while.

The South African golfer fired a sensational 62 at the Omega European Masters in Crans Montana on Sunday, clawing his way back from six shots off the pace before eventually beating Paul Casey in a dramatic four-hole play-off.

And with that victory, Lawrence has written his name into the history of one of European golf’s most famous tournaments.

The win makes him just the second player to claim the Omega European Masters three times since the event began in its current Swiss setting in 1972. He joins none other than Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros.

Lawrence had already lifted the trophy in 2022 and 2025, and after successfully defending his title, he now has three victories to his name at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

But it certainly didn’t look like history was on the cards when Sunday began.

Lawrence entered the final round six shots behind Casey after slipping down the leaderboard with a three-over 73 on Saturday.

His eight-under 62 took him to 18 under par and put an enormous target on the clubhouse leaderboard. He then had to sit back and wait to see whether anyone could catch him.

For a while, it looked as though Casey would.

The Englishman produced four birdies on the back nine to move into a one-shot lead heading into the final hole. But with the title seemingly within touching distance, Casey missed his par putt on the 18th, dropping a shot and sending the tournament into a play-off.

Casey left himself a lengthy birdie attempt from the fringe, but couldn’t convert it. Lawrence stepped up and rolled in a 23-foot birdie putt to seal the win.

“It’s crazy, it’s probably the most emotion I’ve ever shown like in a happy way, normally I cry.”

The emotion was understandable.

“I can’t believe it, I fought so hard today and just gave it my everything. I feel for Paul, he played great and it looked like it was his even in the play-off.”

And then came the simplest description of what the win meant to him.

“It’s just the best feeling in the world, honestly the best feeling in the world.”

He knew he would need something special. That belief paid off spectacularly. Lawrence’s comeback was made even more impressive by the fact that the lead changed hands several times during the final round.

So, Lawrence caps another memorable chapter in what has been a brilliant few years on the course.