BREAKING NEWS: Rory McIlroy receives message from PGA Tour rival standing in his way of $2.9M prize .giang

Thriston Lawrence, the up-and-coming South African golfer, is geared up with enthusiasm at the chance to thwart Rory McIlroy’s aspirations for the Race to Dubai title as they head into the DP World Tour Championship.

The 27 year old stands as the only contender capable of putting a spanner in the works for the Northern Irish golf legend, who he trails by 1,785 points in the seasonal leaderboard.

A victory in Dubai would grant him 2,000 points and hand over the prestigious Harry Vardon Trophy. Although Lawrence’s last win on the DP World Tour was at this year’s BMW International Open, his consistent performances have included five runner-up finishes recently.

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Counting five top-10s among his achievements, he lurks just behind McIlroy in the rankings. As he eyes an upset at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, world No.46 Lawrence shared his excitement about competing for the crown and a $2.3 million windfall, saying during a press event: “It’s nice to have a chance.”

He continued, expressing determination and gratitude, “It’s going to take a lot, but just incredible to have an opportunity. I’m very grateful just to be inside the top 50 to be able to compete this week. It has been an unbelievable year. Rory [McIlroy] has been an idol for me since growing up as a youngster and being able to clinch it this week would be the cherry on the cake for myself.”

Thriston Lawrence said winning the DP World Tour Rankings would be a dream come true. “It would mean the world – being the best golfer on the European Tour over the year is an unbelievable achievement,” the South African said. “Sitting here right now, I’ve achieved a lot of things that I’ve wanted to. But to get this trophy behind me would be just unbelievable.”

Lawrence was pleased with his consistency this season, saying: “The consistency has been the highlight. Finishing in the top 10 ten times this year proves that I’m growing as a golfer and I’m getting more comfortable out here.”

He added: “Obviously ranking-wise, it’s the best season I’ve had in my life. I won twice in my rookie year, twice last year. This year, I won on the Sunshine Tour which is nice. I always feel like with the strength of golfers in today’s time, winning on any tour is quite an achievement.”

Lawrence has yet to win on the DP World Tour, but is feeling confident. “Not won on this tour yet, but still one event left so maybe it’s my time this week. Where I am now, it just feels comfortable. It feels like I can win every week. Just to see myself grow from two years ago is just unbelievable.”