Craig edging closer to precious place

Paul Lawrie may be injured for the return of the Open to Carnoustie but the 1999 champion got a real tonic for his injury absence with son Craig moving just two rounds away from taking his place in the 147th championship.

The 21-year-old was one of nine players who came through the 18 holes of regional qualifying at Panmure Golf Club, Barry, yesterday.

He progresses to the final qualifying stage on Monday, over 36 holes at the Renaissance Club just across the wall from Muirfield in East Lothian.

While Lawrie senior was confirming foot and back injuries, Craig, who turned pro in 2014 and has been playing on satellite tours, shot a two-under 68 to finish in a tie for second at Panmure.

He was in position to win the qualifying tournament at the Angus links but had a couple of late bogeys, leaving Gavin Hay, of the Mearns Castle Golf Academy, as the winner after a 67.

Lawrie shared second with Paul Mckechnie – bidding to come through qualifying for a second time having played at Hoylake in 2014 – and wales’ jack davidson. kris ni col, the former Scottish amateur international from Fraserburgh, also made it through at Panmure.

At the other northern venue at Goswick, Berwick-upon-tweed, six more Scots qualified including Renaissance Club affiliated pro Neil Henderson.

Lloyd Saltman, winner of the Silver Medal for top amateur in the Open in 2005, failed to progress.

Other Scots to make final qualifying from the regional stage at other venues included Alasdair Hay at Frilford Heath and Daniel Hendry at Minchinhampton.

A total of 140 qualifiers from the 13 regional tournaments move on to join exempt players from the European and Challenge Tours in final qualifying at four venues next week. Just 12 precious places in the field at Carnoustie from July 19-22 are up for grabs, with more than 400 players competing for them.

Picture: Kenny Elrick. Craig Lawrie tied for second.