Thriston Lawrence overturned a six-shot deficit with an 8-under 62 to deny Paul Casey his first victory in five years, securing the European Masters title after an 18-foot birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole at Crans-sur-Sierre, according to Associated Press reports from Crans-Montana, Switzerland. He became the seventh three-time winner of this event, and the first since Seve Ballesteros.
How Thriston Lawrence Claimed the European Masters Title
Lawrence entered the final round trailing by six strokes before firing a 62. According to Associated Press coverage, Paul Casey shot a 68 and held a one-shot lead heading to the 18th hole. Casey received a major break when his approach shot from the rough struck a rock and bounced over a stream, but he failed to get up-and-down for par, forcing a playoff.
During the playoff sequence, Casey missed four separate opportunities to win on the 18th green, including three in extra holes. On the first playoff hole, Casey missed a 35-foot birdie putt. On the second extra hole, his 10-foot attempt drifted right. Tournament officials then moved the pin toward the back of the green, where Casey missed an 8-foot birdie chance that spun off the right edge. Lawrence finally converted an 18-foot birdie on the fourth extra hole to capture his third European Masters victory in five years.
Great Britain & Ireland’s Historic Walker Cup Comeback
In County Clare, Ireland, Connor Graham and Josh Hill each won the 18th hole during the final two singles matches to cap off a dramatic comeback against the United States, securing a 13 1/2-12 1/2 victory in the Walker Cup at Lahinch, according to the Associated Press. It marks the first time GB&I has won the event since 2015.
The American squad swept the morning foursomes matches in heavy winds to build a commanding three-point lead, requiring just 3 1/2 points in the 10 singles matches to retain the cup. GB&I responded by winning the opening four singles matches. Graham birdied the final two holes to halve his match against 17-year-old Miles Russell, while Hill secured the deciding point by blasting a long bunker shot to 3 feet and holing the birdie putt against 18-year-old Tyler Watts.
Did You Know? Thriston Lawrence became the seventh three-time winner of this event, and the first since Seve Ballesteros.
International Professional Golf Tour Results
Across other global professional tours, Steven Alker captured a two-shot victory over Hennie Otto at the NI Legends in Northern Ireland with a 5-under 67, adding to consecutive wins on the PGA Tour Champions, according to the Associated Press. In Europe, John Gough of England closed with a 3-under 67 to defeat Andrew Wilson by one stroke at the Rosa Challenge Tour, marking his second victory this year on Europe’s Challenge Tour.
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On the Japan LPGA, Mei Fukuda shot a closing 68 and defeated Megumi Kido in a playoff to win the Golf5 Ladies. In South Korea, Yerim Choi posted a 1-under 71 to hold on for a one-shot victory at the OK Savings Bank OK Man Open on the Korea LPGA. In USGA championships concluding earlier in the week, Ivy Shepherd defeated Catherine McEvoy 5 and 4 in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, and former PGA Tour player Mike Sposa defeated Todd White 3 and 2 in the U.S. Senior Amateur, as reported by the Associated Press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the European Masters golf tournament?
Thriston Lawrence of South Africa won the European Masters after defeating Paul Casey on the fourth playoff hole.
Who won the Walker Cup?
Great Britain & Ireland defeated the United States 13 1/2-12 1/2 at Lahinch to win the Walker Cup for the first time since 2015.
How many times has Thriston Lawrence won the European Masters?
Lawrence has won the tournament three times in the last five years.
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