The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Lawrie looks for three cheers in home event
Former Open champion back in action after two months
Paul Lawrie will take a step into the unknown today when he competes in his first tournament in two months.
The former Open champion is teeing off in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Par 3 Championship at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, Aberdeen, today more in hope than expectation after struggling through niggling injuries this season.
He said: “I’ve not played since (the Hassan Trophy in) Morocco in April. I’ve hardly hit balls. My foot has been a little better but I’m really struggling with my back. It has been dire. It’s the worst spell I’ve had.
“Even when I’ve been injured in the past, it has been a couple of weeks and I’ve been back hitting balls but this time it has been nothing for six weeks, so playing in the wind on day one could be a testing comeback for me.
“Everyone is so apolo- getic when I tell them I’ve been struggling but I’m actually OK with it. I’ve played a long time, had a better career than I ever hoped at the top level and I’ve accepted my golf at that level is pretty much done.”
Despite his struggles the 49-year-old Aberdonian is optimistic about competing on the seniors tour next year and is also forging ahead with plans to expand his corporate profile when not on the course.
He said: “I’ve kept busy with the foundation and the centre and we’ve started a new company called Five Star Sports Agency.
“Playing in wind could be a testing comeback for me”
I’ve been doing some sponsorship for things and will work away at that.
“I don’t expect to be the next Chubby Chandler but I’m keen to get involved in that side of things. The par 3 competition is my first real attempt at selling and it has been good fun.
“I got a real taste for it with the Paul Lawrie Matchplay which was a huge challenge during the downturn in oil but I have learned so much. Mix that in with some senior appearances and that will do me.”
For now, the future can wait, however, as Lawrie focuses on the immediate task of playing in the tournament which gets under way this morning.
Under the circumstances Lawrie’s expectations of winning are low but he is delighted with the quality of the competitors.
He said: “We have half a dozen tour professionals and some former tour pros like Al Forsyth, Greig Hutcheon and Craig Lee.
“We have seven Ladies European Tour pros, too, which is fantastic. We set our stall out to make this an inclusive event for everyone and I’m grateful to Michele Thomson for helping us hugely with getting some of the women involved.
“It’s going to be really windy for the first day, which is going to make for a proper challenge.
“Entry and parking is free and I’m hoping we get a good turnout. My wife Marian and her staff at Clarets coffee shop in the centre will have an unbelievably busy couple of days ahead of them. They’re the unsung heroes who help make this possible.”