Thriston Lawrence relishing immediate opportunity to make amends after Joburg Open disappointment

The South African opened up a three-shot lead after 54 holes at Houghton Golf Club last week, but struggled to a closing 75 to slip into a tie for seventh.

That still meant back-to-back top 10s following a tie for fifth in the DP World Tour Championship and Lawrence was keen to focus on the positives on his return to Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate.

"All in all it was still a top 10, coming off a top five the week prior," Lawrence said.

"I had a good opportunity to win but I know golf and you can be 10 shots behind and win a golf tournament.

"There are (still) lots of positives. It was one of those days, it wasn't meant to be. That is in the past and I'm really focused on this week and can't wait to defend.

"That is the only tournament you would want if you could choose one to win in South Africa. It’s such a prestigious event, you see all the names on the trophy and it is amazing to be a part of that history."

Dan Bradbury finished third behind Dean Burmester in the defence of his Joburg Open and was delighted to therefore claim one of the three available places in next year's Open Championship at Royal Troon.

"(It means) everything," Bradbury said. "I think for anybody outside of America, it's the event.

"Just to get the opportunity to tee it up there again, it's going to be really special and I'm already looking forward to it."

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