MUNICH — Thriston Lawrence of South Africa overhauled Joost Luiten in a tense finish to win the BMW International Open in Munich by one stroke for his fourth European tour title.
Lawrence started the final round four strokes off the lead but his 3-under 69, combined with a 2-over 74 for Luiten, was enough for the South African to win on 13-under overall. Luiten bogeyed the 17th and was left needing a birdie on the 18th to force a playoff, but he could only make par.
“It means a lot. I’m a bit emotional; to be honest,” Lawrence said according to AP. “This game is not easy. It was a real push and I really gave it my all. I feel sorry for Joost. I know how tough this game is.”
Lawrence has won all four of his titles in just over a year and a half, since his first at the European tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned Joburg Open in Nov. 2021. He’s the second South African to win the BMW International Open after Ernie Els in 2013.
Lawrence’s final round Sunday was full of ups-and-downs with eight birdies and five bogeys.
“At some stage, I didn’t think I’m going to make a par,” he said. “It was birdie, bogey, birdie, bogey, just taking, giving.”
“I went to America for six weeks, made one cut. This game isn’t easy,” he choked. “I saw Joost miss a two-footer on 17 and I felt for him. I know how hard this game is,” added Lawrence, the second South African to win this event after Ernie Els in 2013.
Poland’s Adrian Meronk (68), who is chasing a Ryder Cup spot, was one of four tied for third on 11 under, along with Daniel Hillier (71), Rikuya Hoshino (69) and Maximilian Kieffer (68).
The trio another shot behind included Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (69), who won plaudits for his impressive tour debut on an invite after recently finishing his college golf career at Oklahoma State.
Bradley missed a birdie putt on the last hole. Had he succeeded, he would have equaled the US PGA Series record of 188 (over 54 holes) set by Steve Stricker in 2010. This record score was equaled in 2017 by Justin Thomas.
Bradley is one stroke ahead of compatriot Chez Reavie, with Patrick Cantlay (America) third.
Rickie Fowler, who shot 60 in the third round, is tied for fourth with fellow American Denny McCarthy and Australia’s Adam Scott.
World number one Scottie Scheffler is tied for fifth with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who is tied for third is in the 15th place.
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