Thriston Lawrence upbeat on return to Blair Atholl for title defence

Thriston Lawrence is focusing on the positives from his performance at last week’s Joburg Open as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing final day by mounting a strong title defence at the Investec South African Open.

The South African appeared set to make the dream start to the new DP World Tour campaign after opening a three-shot 54-hole advantage at Houghton Golf Club, before a closing 75 saw him settle for a tie for seventh.

A week earlier, he finished in a tie for fifth at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai to end the 2023 season 19th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in partnership with Rolex.

Lawrence now returns to Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate, host venue of South Africa’s national Open for the second year running, eager to continue to his strong finish to the calendar year.

“All in all it was still a top ten, coming off a top five the week prior," he said.

“I had a good opportunity to win but I know golf and you can be ten shots behind and win a golf tournament.

“There are [still] lots of positives. It was one of those days, it wasn’t meant to be. That is in the past and I am really focused on this week and can’t wait to defend.”

Four-time DP World Tour winner Lawrence claimed the first of two titles last season at last year’s South African Open Championship by holding off Clément Sordet at Blair Atholl.

The 26-year-old says knowing he will forever a place in the history of his national Open is a source of immense pride.

“That is the only tournament you would want if you could choose one to win in South Africa,” he said.

“It’s such a prestigious event, you see all the names on the trophy and it is amazing to be a part of that history.”

Blair Atholl is the longest course in DP World Tour history, extending its own record set last year with an increase of 72 yards.

Asked for his thoughts on the challenge it will pose to the field this week, Lawrence said: “You can lay up with three woods or five woods on par fives so you need patience.

“It is always very scoreable [but] you really need to play well to score and make birdies so it is going to be an interesting week.”

Lawrence forms part of a strong contingent of South Africans teeing it up this week on home soil, including World Number One amateur Christo Lamprecht.

The giant 22-year-old made headlines earlier this year when he held a share of the lead after the opening round of The Open at Royal Liverpool, shortly after winning The Amateur Championship.

This week sees Lamprecht, who plays college golf in the United States of America at Georgia Tech, make a rare competitive appearance on home soil – something he is relishing.

“It’s your national Open so it is a really special tournament,” he said. “It is one that I have wanted to play well in for a really long time.

“This is the fourth year I am playing in it so hopefully we get some [good] golf going.”