Thriston Lawrence has become the first South African to be crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, after a breakthrough season on the DP World Tour that included two wins, six further top tens and a Major debut.Lawrence made his breakthrough 2021/22 season as he became the first player to win since the European Tour rebranded to the DP World Tour.
The 25-year-old claimed victory at the co-sanctioned Joburg Open at Randpark Golf Club, which was reduced to 36 holes after being rain and Covid-19-affected.His Joburg Open win saw Lawrence not only secure a DP World Tour exemption, but also saw him make his Major debut at this year's 150th Open Championship at St Andrews.Lawrence sealed a top 50 finish at the historic Open and since been plying his trade predominately on the DP World Tour.In August, Lawrence secured his first professional win on European soil as he won the European Masters in a thrilling play-off over England's Matthew Wallace at Golf Club Crans Montana in Switzerland.The win saw Lawrence move inside the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career.Lawrence racked up six further top tens, including a tied second finish at the Kenya Open and third place at the Irish Open, on the way to finishing 14th in the DP World Tour's season-long rankings."It's a dream come true.
If you look at the names on the trophy, it's incredible," said Lawrence after winning the DP World Tour's Rookie of the Year."A year ago I didn't even have a category, so when I started off with a victory, it came to mind straight away to go for this award.
To have accomplished it is an incredible feeling - I'm very grateful and honoured."It was very special to get the first win at the Joburg Open.