Thriston Lawrence secured a dramatic victory at the Omega European Masters after defeating Paul Casey at the fourth play-off hole at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland. Lawrence produced a stellar blemish-free round, closing a six-hole gap on Casey at the start of the day to force extra holes.
Thriston Lawrence Claims Third Title After Paul Casey Misses Crucial Putts
Lawrence fired a stunning round, capped by eight birdies, to set the clubhouse target at 18 under par. The defending champion’s triumph marks his third victory at the event, matching the record set by Seve Ballesteros at the Swiss tournament, which is the longest-running event hosted at the same course on the DP World Tour. Reflecting on the emotional win, Lawrence said, It’s crazy. That’s probably the most emotion I’ve ever shown, in a happy way. Normally I cry,
according to Sky Sports. Lawrence added, I can’t believe it, but I just fought so hard today. I just gave it my everything.
Casey Slips Up in Regulation and Play-Offs
Paul Casey was seeking his first DP World Tour victory in five and a half years, having last won the Dubai Desert Classic in January 2021. The 49-year-old Englishman held a three-stroke lead after the third round but endured a turbulent final round that included bogeys on the third and eighth holes and a double bogey on the sixth after sending his second shot out of bounds. Despite recovering with multiple birdies on the back nine to move one shot clear with three holes remaining, Casey missed a 20-foot putt for victory on the 18th hole in regulation play, finishing his round at two under par for a total of 18 under.
In the subsequent play-off, both competitors recorded pars across the first three extra holes. However, Casey missed crucial opportunities, including a 10-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole and an eight-foot chance on the third. On the fourth extra hole, Casey’s birdie attempt came up well short, allowing Lawrence to seal the title with a brilliant birdie.
Charitable Pledge and Final Leaderboard
Prior to the conclusion of the tournament, Casey pledged to donate all of his tournament winnings to victims and people affected by a New Year’s Eve fire in the Swiss mountain resort of Crans-Montana that killed 40 people (with separate reports noting 41 dead and 115 injured). Having made Switzerland his home, Casey designated the Fondation Beloved as the recipient of his runner-up prize, amounting to $412,500 (£303,543), or approximately €354,734 (£304,805).
England’s Harry Hall claimed solo third place at 17 under par following a closing round of 63. A group of five players shared fourth place a stroke further back:
- Angel Hidalgo (Spain)
- Angel Ayora (Spain)
- Eugenio Chacarra (Spain)
- Francesco Laporta (Italy)
- Bernd Wiesberger (Austria)
England’s Matt Wallace finished at 15 under par to share ninth place, while Patrick Reed finished a shot further back in a share of 11th position.
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