Thriston Lawrence joined Seve Ballesteros as a three-time winner of the Omega European Masters after edging Paul Casey in a thrilling playoff following a sensational final round in Crans Montana.
The South African led at the halfway stage at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, but dropped down the leaderboard on Moving Day following a three-over 73.
He began Sunday's round six shots behind Casey, but a sparkling 62 saw him set the clubhouse target at 18 under which no one could better.
Casey slipped two behind Lawrence at one stage, but four birdies on the back nine saw him lead by one with the 72nd hole to play, only to drop a shot and endure a playoff.
It took four extra holes to decide a winner, but Lawrence came out on top with a birdie after his rival had missed his lengthy effort from the fringe.
THE PUTT THAT SEALED THE DEAL 🔥#OEM2026 pic.twitter.com/mTWw95lXEK
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 6, 2026
As a result, Lawrence joined an exclusive group with the great Ballesteros as the only players to triumph three times in the Swiss event since 1972 following his successes in 2022 and 2025.
"It's crazy, it's probably the most emotion I've ever shown like in a happy way, normally I cry," Lawrence said after successfully defending his crown in the Alps.
"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.
"It's just the best feeling in the world, honestly the best feeling in the world.
"Honestly I did (think I had a chance), I was playing nicely and after the first two rounds, I thought I could shoot eight or nine under and finish well.
"I knew there would be a low-60 in there and I just had to believe and give it my all.
"It's amazing, to play in a golf tournament that I think is the longest ever that's hosted at the same golf course, and to share three with Seve, I never met him but I've always seen clips of him, and it's unbelievable to share that with him."
"It's crazy, it's probably the most emotion I've ever shown like in a happy way, normally I cry," Lawrence said after successfully defending his crown in the Alps.
"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.
"It's just the best feeling in the world, honestly the best feeling in the world.
"Honestly I did (think I had a chance), I was playing nicely and after the first two rounds, I thought I could shoot eight or nine under and finish well.
"I knew there would be a low-60 in there and I just had to believe and give it my all.
THREE-TIME CHAMPION 🏆
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 6, 2026
Thriston Lawrence wins the Omega European Masters for the third time in just five appearances. Crans is his place 🇿🇦🔥#OEM2026 pic.twitter.com/0ftkzEZJ1A
Harry Hall carded an eagle and five birdies in his blemish-free 63 for solo third at 17 under, while Spanish trio Hidalgo, Ayora and Eugenio Chacarra were one shot further back alongside Austrian Bernd Wiesberger and Italy's Laporta.
Joel Girrbach, the only home player to make the weekend, finished at 15 under par with Englishman Matt Wallace to wrap up the top ten.
© DP World Tour - FULL STORY HERE