Lawrie chosen to hit opening shot at landmark event

PAUL LAWRIE has been handed the honour of striking the first ball in the 150th Open Championship on Thursday. The Aberdonian, winner at Carnoustie in 1999, will get the milestone staging of the tournament under way just after dawn as the golfing world braces itself for an epic four days at the Old Course. Although the 53-year-old will step on to the first tee at St Andrews fully focused on putting a good opening round together, he admits the significance of kicking off such a historic event won’t be lost on him. ‘I did it once before, I think in 2010. I did it here,’ he said. ‘It’s always nice to hit the opening shot. Hopefully, it’ll be flat calm. It’s a nice thing to be asked to do. It’s obviously a huge occasion, a huge week, a big milestone, so the more you think about it, yeah, it is a big thing to do it in the 150th.’ Asked if the early start was a concern, Lawrie quipped: ‘No problem. I’m 53, so I’m wide awake at 4.30 going for a pee! Shouldn’t be a problem, middle of the night. I’ll be ready for 5am. It’s a pretty good draw, actually. Greens will be pure. A great draw for me.’ Even 23 years after his solitary major victory, Lawrie says there are still moments when he has to remind himself of what he achieved. Playing alongside Tom Watson and Stewart Cink at yesterday’s four-hole Celebration of Champions event provided a timely reminder. ‘When you play with Mr Watson, it’s always the same,’ he said. ‘He’s never missed a shot out there, flushed every one. Doesn’t hit as far as he used to. Stewart played lovely. ‘Jack (Nicklaus) came out in a buggy to say hello. I didn’t manage to speak to him but that was nice. I saw Tiger on the putting green this morning. ‘It’s just great they all play in it. It’s great for the R&A that all their past champions want to play, celebrate the fact you’re Open champion. ‘The dinner (tonight). It’s the best we go to. The first year, I had Lee Trevino on my left, Gary Player on my right and Mr Nicklaus sitting across from us. These three chatting away, it was just the best. I didn’t say much, I didn’t have a chance to, but what a dinner.’