Thriston Lawrence overcame a four shot deficit in the final round to win the BMW International Open title at Golfclub München Eichenried.
It was a rollercoaster on the final day for the South African as he carded eight birdies and five bogeys on his way to a shutout three-under-par 69, which took the club ahead at 13-under.
Joost Luiten led by three strokes after the third round and the Dutchman remained the man to catch until what proved to be a pivotal 17th hole. Lawrence had hit one of only three birdies on the hole all day, while Lutin put three in bogey which resulted in a two-putt swing and the lead was up to the South Africans for the first time.
Both men pared the final hole meaning the 26-year-old Lawrence took his second win of the season and became the second South African after Ernie Els to triumph at the BMW International Open.
Lutin’s second place was his best result this season so far, while Max Kiefer finished third in the Bundesliga, alongside Kiwi Daniel Heller, Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino, and Poland’s Adrian Mironek, who finished eleventh.
For Lawrence, who has now won twice in each of the last two seasons, it was an emotional return to the winner’s circle, having failed to finish in the top 10 since his last win in South Africa in December.
“It means a lot. I’m a little emotional to be honest,” he said. “I went to America for six weeks and had one surgery. This game is not easy. It was a real boost on Sunday and I really gave my all. I feel sorry for Joost, I know how hard this game is. I saw him miss a two-footer on the 17th and I know how hard those putts are around those greens. It wasn’t easy there so I feel for it. I think that’s why I’m emotional too because I know how difficult this match is and everyone wants to win.”