Thriston Lawrence is hoping he can take his game to a new heights in the Swiss Alps, by becoming a repeat winner on the DP World Tour for the first time at the Omega European Masters.
Since earning his Tour card by winning the Joburg Open at the start of the 2022 season, the South African has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the professional game.
Now a four-time DP World Tour winner, Lawrence is one of only two players with Pablo Larrazabal to have won multiple events in the past two campaigns.
Victory last year at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland lifted him inside the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time – a position he retained with his most recent triumph at the BMW International Open in June.
Ahead of defending a DP World Tour title for the second time this week, he now wants to emulate some of the greats of the game to have celebrated success at an event on more than one occasion.
"Winning is what everybody dreams of," he said.
"You look at Tiger Woods winning multiple events how many times in a row.
"[Being the defending champion] gives you a chance to do it back to back. I am really looking forward to the week."
Lawrence’s breakthrough season last year – which included his Major Championship debut at The Open – saw him become the first South African to be crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
His victory last year came in a play-off against Matt Wallace as he became the third consecutive player to win on his maiden appearance, something he attributes to his experience of playing at altitude.
“I've been watching the tournaments since I've grown up and always wanted to come visit the mountains here. To win it on my first try was unbelievable and hopefully I can do the same this week.
“It’s a bit different to other events. I'm used to the altitude, that helps and gave me a little bit of more of a confidence knowing how far the ball travels.
“But, waking up and seeing these incredible views just makes you want to smile every time.”
Lawrence began the final round 12 months ago with a three-shot lead but was caught at the summit by Wallace after 16 holes.
Reflecting on what pivotal in enabling him to emerge as the champion, he added: "The big thing is I enjoyed [the challenge].
"It didn't always look like it, but throughout I just enjoyed it and I stayed very calm.
"Looking at the views made you realise that there are a lot bigger things than just golf.
"So, it made me sort of forget about the stupid mistakes and just focus on being happy."
