Thriston Lawrence transformed his season outlook with a historic third victory at the Omega European Masters on a dramatic final day in Switzerland.
The South African defending champion beat Paul Casey on the fourth play-off hole at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club to join Seve Ballesteros as just the second player to win the title on three occassions since the tournament became a founding event on the DP World Tour in 1972.
Lawrence entered the week 107th in the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World but vaults 86 places to 21st, with the 29-year-old now assured of a spot among the top 70 and the start of the DP World Tour Play-Offs in November.
"To defend my title up in Crans is just the best feeling in the world," said the now six-time DP World Tour winner.
"The character I showed all day, to believe in myself and really believe in myself is just the best feeling."
He has also played his way into the hunt for dual membership with the PGA TOUR, with Nacho Elvira of Spain in 13th place on the season-long standings currently in the last of the ten cards available.
Not only that but his victory in Crans-Montana has also seen him climb to 111th in the Official World Golf Ranking from 183rd.
Bernd Wiesberger and Angel Ayora finished in a share of fourth place, rising to ninth and 17th respectively on the Race to Dubai.
Matt Wallace, champion in the Swiss Alps in 2023, moved inside the top 50 as he rose nine places from 55th with his top ten finish, while Francesco Laporta sits just outside at 54th after rising from 68th by finishing tied fourth.
Further down, Angel Hidalgo can look forward to kicking on across the Back 9 after putting fears over his playing privileges to one side by jumping from 101st to 73rd by finishing among the five players to finish fourth.
After finishing tied ninth, home favourite Joel Girrbach is up to 92nd, a climb of 18 places from last week, with the top 100 keeping their full playing privileges on the Race to Dubai next season.
