English golfer Paul Casey finished as runner-up to South Africa’s defending champion Thriston Lawrence at the European Masters after a dramatic four-hole play-off at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, according to tournament results. Casey, who held a share of the lead heading down the stretch, pledged to donate his entire runner-up prize of $412,500 (£303,543) to the Fondation Beloved to support victims of a New Year’s Eve fire that claimed 40 lives in the Swiss mountain resort.
European Masters Play-Off Drama in Crans-Montana
The tournament reached its climax on the fourth extra hole after Lawrence forced the play-off with a closing round of 62, matching Casey’s 18-under-par total. According to event organizers, Casey fired a two-under-par 68 on the final day to finish level on 18 under alongside Lawrence. Harry Hall of England finished alone in third place at 17 under following a closing round of 63.
During the sudden-death finish, Casey missed four consecutive putts for the $637,500 (£469,112) first prize. The sequence began with a missed putt on his final regulation hole, followed by three missed opportunities across the first three play-off holes. On the fourth extra hole, Casey sent his approach shot to the back edge of the green and subsequently missed a chip, allowing Lawrence to sink a birdie putt and secure his third European Masters title, which ties the tournament record held by Seve Ballesteros.
Did you know?
Thriston Lawrence’s victory at Crans-sur-Sierre marked his third win at the European Masters, tying the historical tournament record set by Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
Leaderboard Standings and Notable Finishes
At the top of the final leaderboard, Casey and Lawrence shared the 18-under-par clubhouse lead. Harry Hall secured third place at 17 under. A group of five players tied for fourth place at 16 under par, including Italy’s F Laporta, Spain’s A Ayora, Spain’s A Hidalgo, Austria’s B Wiesberger, and Spain’s E Lopez-Chacarra, according to the official scoring data.
Further down the leaderboard, England’s M Wallace finished at 15 under par. Denmark’s R Hoejgaard and the United States’ P Reed both finished at 14 under par. T Clements of England finished at 13 under, while M Penge ended the tournament at 11 under. Scotland’s C Hill and Spain’s S Garcia both finished at 9 under par.
Charitable Commitment From Runner-Up
Casey, a 49-year-old former Ryder Cup player, was competing as a LIV Golf participant while pursuing his 16th victory on the DP World Tour and his first title since claiming the Dubai Desert Classic in January 2021. Following the narrow defeat, tournament records confirm that his runner-up earnings of $412,500 will be directed entirely to the Fondation Beloved to aid the Swiss mountain resort community affected by the New Year’s Eve tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the European Masters golf tournament?
South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence won the tournament after defeating Paul Casey on the fourth play-off hole at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
What was Paul Casey’s final score?
Paul Casey finished regulation play at 18 under par after shooting a final-round 68.
Where is the European Masters played?
The event is hosted at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club located in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
How much prize money did Paul Casey donate?
Casey pledged his entire runner-up prize of $412,500 (£303,543) to the Fondation Beloved to assist victims of a New Year’s Eve fire in the Swiss resort town.
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