Thriston Lawrence believes his journey to golf's top tier is proof that "dreams do come true" as he makes his 100th DP World Tour start at the BMW PGA Championship.
The South African has been in the winner's circle on four occasions in a career which has already yielded nearly five million euros in prize money.
That is also due to four runner-up finishes this campaign, most recently at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo earlier this month.
The 27-year-old also came fourth at The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon and he has continued his fine form this week in the Rolex Series at Wentworth Club.
Lawrence began the third round seven shots behind overnight leader Matthew Baldwin at six under, but rolled in eight birdies and a bogey for a classy 65 to sit five adrift after Moving Day in Virginia Water.
"The 100th (start)? I didn't know that," he admitted. "It's unbelievable looking back at the end of 2021 when I won the Joburg Open, to be standing in front of you right now and contending at the weekend at the BMW is just insane. Very happy to be here.
"It's definitely easier to be inside the ropes than outside, I thought this golf course was unplayable outside the ropes but it's unbelievable.
"It's like going back home at Leopard Creek, I grew up watching that tournament and now I've played it five or six times so it's unbelievable to see that dreams do come true."
He added: "I finished badly yesterday with two bogeys on the par fives but you have a chance at the weekend, it doesn't matter where you are on the leaderboard.
"So yeah, my mentality is to be aggressive and I have so far today and it's paid off nicely."
