Amid the aura of Augusta National it is only inevitable if a rookie feels overawed, but Thriston Lawrence has proven himself adept at handling the biggest of stages.
At The Open last summer, the South African was in serious contention during the final round to win his first Major Championship.
In only his sixth start at one of golf’s four most prestigious events, Lawrence carded a four-under 32 on the front nine at Royal Troon before settling for solo fourth – far and away his best finish at a Major.
In doing so, he earned a fast-tracked invite to contest the Masters. Not only that, under the biggest of pressures, he managed to maintain a calmness that helped him embrace the moment.
It is that same approach that has brought so much success for the 28-year-old, who has gone from competing predominantly on the Sunshine Tour in 2021 to now having a global schedule as a dual member on the DP World Tour and as a rookie on the PGA TOUR.
“I haven’t been doing the best lately, but I still know that once I am in that situation I can compete, I can control my emotions and give myself a great chance to win,” he said of his approach ahead of his Masters debut.
A four-time winner on the DP World Tour in a less-than three-year span from the start of the 2022 season, Lawrence has been a consistent performer since he won his maiden title at the Joburg Open, with a further triumph on home soil in his national open along with victories in Switzerland and Germany.
I haven’t made a lot of cuts in the last couple of weeks, but it feels like I am so close to winning again.
He finished a career-best third on the Race to Dubai Rankings last year, after a campaign that saw him record five second-place finishes and a further five top tens as he earned dual membership on the PGA TOUR.
The transition to playing more regularly stateside has proven a challenge, with two cuts made in his eight starts so far this year but Lawrence is positive that an upturn in his form is just around the corner – and when better than at the Masters.
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“I have always been a firm believer of not changing much,” he said.
“I am not the best golfer in the world at the moment but if you look at my results last year, I had ten top tens, five second places and four wins in three years.
“So, golf is so marginal. I haven’t made a lot of cuts in the last couple of weeks, but it feels like I am so close to winning again. It’s crazy.”
A self-described uncomplicated golfer, Lawrence is keeping it simple in his outlook ahead of completing the set of Major appearances.
While many players may actively seek the thoughts of those who have vast experience at Augusta, he is content in using his own learning from his recent trip down Magnolia Lane for his practice rounds.
"I'm not very technical, like I say," he added.
"I like figuring things out myself. I practise in a different way than others. You know, I like to play a lot of golf.
"A fresh pair of eyes is always important but news travels. You hear caddies talk.
"Everybody knows the ins and outs whether you are a player or caddie. I have heard a lot of good pointers already.
"When the tournament arrives, there are maybe one or two questions I will ask but as of now I have just based it on my experience of the golf course and with the caddie I spent time with and take it from there."
What is certain is after coming close to being in the field at each of the last two Masters editions, Lawrence is not about to let the moment pass him by.
His performance last summer at The Open suggests he is likely to do himself proud again.
"I know I can compete in a Major," he said. "Playing in the final group, I had a chance to win and that gives me a lot of confidence."
