Lawrence held his nerve to win the Investec South African Open on Sunday after threatening to give up a five-shot lead with 5 holes to play at Blair Atholl.
The DP World Tour rookie of the yr in the end secured his third victory in 12 months and is among the many favourites to get pleasure from additional success at Leopard Creek, close to to the place he grew up in Mbombela.
“It is a very particular place for me,” Lawrence stated. “The Alfred Dunhill Championship was the primary skilled match I ever got here to assist.
“I keep in mind seeing Ernie Els and all of the others win right here, and as a younger beginner golfer standing subsequent to the inexperienced asking for a ball. And to now be right here myself is particular.
“It’s extremely thrilling to be right here. Everyone needs to get their fingers on that leopard trophy.”
4-time main winner Els can be within the area for an occasion he gained 17 years in the past, the primary time it was staged at Leopard Creek.
“It is one among my favorite occasions on this planet so hopefully we are able to do one thing,” stated the 53-year-old, who now competes primarily on the seniors circuit.
“We’re virtually like vacationers now, we stay overseas. My spouse is right here and we’re having fun with it like a vacationer, we’re going into the Kruger Nationwide Park and searching on the animals and having fun with the South African bush. It is a tremendous place.
“It is fantastic, simply have a look at the place. It is good and inexperienced, had plenty of rain, the river is flowing and the golf course is in superb situation so it is nice to be again.”
Fellow main winners Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel and former champions Branden Grace, Brandon Stone, Richard Sterne and Christiaan Bezuidenhout are a part of a robust dwelling contingent, whereas England’s Dan Bradbury seeks to construct on his Joburg Open win final month.