Thriston Lawrence overturned a four-shot final round deficit to win the BMW International Open title at Golfclub München Eichenried.
It was a rollercoaster of a final day for the South African as he carded eight birdies and five bogeys on his way to a closing three under par 69, which set the clubhouse lead at 13 under.
Joost Luiten held a three-stroke lead after the third round and the dutchman remained the man to catch until what proved to be a pivotal 17th hole. Lawrence had carded one of only three birdies on the hole all day, while Luiten three-putted for a bogey which resulted in a two-shot swing and the lead belonged to the South African for the first time.
Both men parred the final hole which meant 26-year-old Lawrence claimed his second victory of the season and became the second South African after Ernie Els to triumph in the BMW International Open.
Luiten’s second place was his best result of the season so far, while Max Kieffer finished as the leading German in a tie for third alongside Kiwi Daniel Hillier, Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino and Poland’s Adrian Meronk on 11 under.
For Lawrence, who has now won twice in each of the last two seasons, it was an emotional return to the winner’s circle, after failing to finish inside the top-10 since his last win in South Africa in December.
“It means a lot. I’m a bit emotional to be honest,” he said. “I went to America for six weeks and made one cut. This game is not easy. It was a real boost on Sunday and I really gave it my all. I feel sorry for Joost, I know how tough this game is. I saw him miss that two-footer on 17 and I know how tough those putts are around these greens. It wasn’t easy out there so I feel for him. I think that’s why I’m emotional as well because I know how tough this game is and everybody wants to win.”