Lawrence claims historic third Omega European Masters title after thrilling play-off

Thriston Lawrence made history on Sunday by winning the Omega European Masters for a third time after a dramatic play-off victory over Paul Casey at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

The South African produced one of the great final rounds in the tournament’s history, firing a bogey-free 62 featuring eight birdies to climb from six shots behind Casey and set the clubhouse target at 18 under par.

Casey, playing in the final group, responded brilliantly. The Englishman recovered from two shots behind with four birdies on the back nine to take a one-shot lead to the 72nd hole.

But a bogey at the last saw the 49-year-old finish on 18 under and send the pair into a play-off.

The drama continued as Lawrence and Casey played the 18th hole three times, both repeatedly finding par before Lawrence finally secured victory on the fourth extra hole.

Casey narrowly missed his lengthy birdie attempt from the fringe, leaving Lawrence with the chance to seal a historic triumph. The South African made no mistake, rolling in the winning birdie putt before celebrating an emotional third Omega European Masters title.

Having previously lifted the trophy in 2022 and 2025, Lawrence completed a remarkable hat-trick of victories at Crans-Montana.

“It’s crazy, it’s probably the most emotion I’ve ever shown like in a happy way, normally I cry. I can’t believe it; I fought so hard today and just gave it my everything.”

Lawrence admitted he had believed a low final round was possible, despite starting the day six shots off the lead.

“I knew there would be a low 60 in there and I just had to believe and give it my all.”

His spectacular 62 proved decisive, but the 29-year-old knew the result was far from certain as Casey played the final hole.

“You never know what can happen. He can either make birdie, and it’s game over, or he can make double, and I can win it outright. It was stressful.”

When his opportunity finally came in the play-off, Lawrence seized it.

“When I got the opportunity, it definitely gave me another kick start and some energy for the play-off.”

The celebrations reflected the magnitude of the achievement, with Lawrence admitting he had dreamed of moments like this since childhood.

“You dream of celebrations like that. As a kid, I was throwing fist pumps on a putting green and going mad, so it just felt like it was one of those perfect moments to do it.”

The victory is the sixth DP World Tour title of Lawrence’s career.

England’s Harry Hall finished one shot behind in outright third after a superb bogey-free 63. Bernd Weisberger, Francesco Laporta, Eugenio Chacarra, Angel Ayora and Angel Hidalgo shared fourth on 16 under.

Home favourite Joel Girrbach delighted the Swiss crowds with a final-round 65 to finish in a share of ninth alongside 2024 champion Matt Wallace.

But the day belonged to Lawrence, who once again proved his extraordinary affinity with the Swiss mountains and secured his place in Omega European Masters history.