Thriston Lawrence is hoping a return to the DP World Tour can bring about an upturn in form after enjoying a confidence-boosting start to the Soudal Open.
After winning the Joburg Open on home soil at the back end of 2021, the South African won three further titles on golf’s global tour in a less-than three-year span.
While he did not add to that impressive haul last year, he did amass a season-high ten top 10s – including five runner-up finishes – as he finished second on the Race to Dubai Rankings to secure his card on the PGA Tour for 2025.
However, he has struggled stateside so far this year, missing the cut in nine of 11 starts, including at the opening two Major championships.
Despite a lack of form ahead of his return to European soil, he was among the early starters to impress in Belgium on Thursday as he posted six birdies in a five-under 66 to sit one shot adrift of the early clubhouse leaders.
“This is where I started about four years ago, and I’ve been playing nicely last four years on this Tour so it’s nice to be back and I think it’s maybe needed for me just to get some confidence,” he said.
“I know the golf courses around here, I know the greens too.
“It’s also nice to start with a five under but it’s always great to be back and support the Tour.”
Lawrence, who began his round with a birdie at the 10th before dropping his only shot of the day at the 13th, made a number of long-range putts for par or better, including at the 9th when he holded from more than 30 feet for a closing birdie after finding a fairway bunker off the tee.
“I was pretty solid overall to be honest,” reflected the world No 90 of his performance. “The putting really saved me.
“I made a couple of long ones that I haven’t made in four months so that was nice to see. Ball striking was not too bad, but my putting got me going.”
Two of Thriston Lawrence’s four DP World Tour wins have come in Europe
Lawrence also has friend and caddie Theunis Bezuidenhout back on his bag again, after he was sidelined until earlier this month following an accident in March.
While that provided him the chance to have his father, Steven, caddie for him on his Masters debut, Lawrence is pleased to have some familiarity again with someone he has enjoyed much success.
“You form such a bond over a couple of years, routine wise it is just easier with him on the bag,” he said.
“Everything is just normal. It is obviously great to have him back, he knows the golf courses as well so the team is back.”
– Article from DP World Tour
Photo: Luke Walker/Getty Images
