Good times for Thriston Lawrence and the global game of golf

Royal Troon

As a proudly South African sports supporter, allow me this week to boast somewhat about Thriston Lawrence’s stellar performance at The Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Ten of the world’s top 20 players did not make the cut. Lawrence, ranked 98th-ranked in the world, did. And then, leading by one shot going into the final nine, the 27-year-old came within a whisker of lifting the Claret Jug. He eventually finished three shots behind winner Xander Schauffele.

That this performance came exactly ten years after Lawrence turned pro is a testament to what hard work and dedication can deliver. Maybe he should change his Instagram account as an avid fisherman (@golfergonefishing) to @fishermangonegolfing.

Something else I am incredibly excited about is that Ascot Tours is mentioned as a key market player in a newly released report by Technavio about an estimated $9-billion growth over the next four years in the global golf tourism market.

Coupled with the launch of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association’s first Golf Chapter earlier in the year and the International Golf Travel Market Conference in October in Lisbon, there is only one way and it’s up. SATSA CEO David Frost has been quoted as saying golfers spend around 120% more per person per day than the average tourist. You do the math.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to sharing many more incredible experiences with you.

SCOTT EDKINS
CEO: Ascot Tours
Your Authority on Africa Golf Safaris since 1996