Thriston Lawrence Beats Paul Casey in Four-Hole European Masters Playoff

Thriston Lawrence retained the European Masters in Switzerland after defeating Paul Casey on the fourth playoff hole at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club. BBC Sport reported that the South African made birdie on the decisive trip down the 18th, earning his third victory at the tournament and matching the European Masters record held by Seve Ballesteros.

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Lawrence forced the playoff with a bogey-free, eight-birdie 62, setting the clubhouse target at 18 under par. Casey, who began the final round six shots ahead of Lawrence, signed for a two-under 68 to finish level. The result denied the 49-year-old Englishman a 16th DP World Tour victory and what would have been his first on the circuit since the Dubai Desert Classic in January 2021.

Casey's final round began unevenly. He dropped shots on three of his first eight holes, including a double bogey at the sixth, and was two over for the day after bogeying the eighth. Five birdies across the next seven holes put him back in front, and he saved par from a greenside bunker at the 16th before narrowly missing a birdie attempt on the 17th.

A par at the 18th would then have secured the title in regulation, but Casey found thick rough from the tee. His approach struck a rock, crossed a stream and finished in rough near the green. After a difficult chip, he missed a 20-foot putt that could have ended the tournament, sending the players back to the 18th for sudden death.

Both players made par on the first two playoff holes. Casey had a 10-foot birdie chance to win on the second extra hole but could not convert it. Organizers moved the pin before the third playoff hole, where his eight-foot championship putt caught the cup and stayed out. On the fourth attempt, Casey's approach reached the back edge of the green and he missed his chip before Lawrence made the winning birdie putt.

Casey had pledged his entire prize money to victims of the New Year's Eve fire that killed 40 people in Crans-Montana. BBC Sport reported that his runner-up award was $412,500, which he will donate to the Fondation Beloved. England's Harry Hall took third place at 17 under after closing with a 63, one shot behind the playoff pair.