Former Lowvelder Thriston Lawrence (25) goes into the British Open that starts today (Thursday) on the Old Course at St Andrew’s, with a career high world ranking.

The former Laerskool Nelspruit and Hoërskool Nelspruit learner, has been paired to tee off with with Paraguayan Fabrizio Zanotti and England’s Alex Wrigley at 13:09 today.

Lawrence has been in fine form over the previous two weeks and moved up to 131st on the World Golf Rankings.

He tied for 24th place in the Scottish Open played at the Renaissance Club from last Thursday to Sunday, with a level par 280.

The previous week he tied for third place in the Irish Open played at Mount Juliet Estate. His finished the four rounds on 16 under par, 272.

The honorary Mbombela Golf Club member qualified for The Open after winning the Joburg Open in November
last year.

“It’s a lifelong dream that’s come true. To play your first-ever Major on the Old Course, is an unbelievable dream come true. I’m so excited. As a kid you always want to play in the Majors. Everybody wants to break Jack Nicklaus’ record and now it’s my first Major and an opportunity in that direction. I’m ecstatic,” Lawrence said at the time.

He won the South African Amateur Championships in 2013, the youngest player to ever do so at 16 years, two months and
26 days old.

Lawrence turned pro in 2014 at the age of 17.