Lawrie set for Carnoustie celebration

Paul Lawrie, who makes his Champions Tour debut in Texas this week, is heading for both Carnoustie and Craigielaw later this year for two equally notable events.

The first is a pro-am on 29 July to mark the 20th anniversary of his Open win at Carnoustie, the proceeds being split between the Paul Lawrie Foundation and Beatson Cancer Charity.

“The idea came from Brian Donald, who is a friend of Paul and has been a long supporter of The Beatson, Brian himself losing his first wife to cancer,” said Alan Tait, who is helping with the 20-team event.

“Given Paul’s coach at that time of winning the Open was the late former European Tour player Adam Hunter, it seemed fitting that some proceeds would go towards The Beatson, where Adam was cared for before he died at the young age of 48.

“It was an easy conversation to do something and it was decided a celebratory pro-am back at Carnoustie would be a wonderful way to enjoy a fantastic golf day, with Paul’s foundation also benefiting.”

Lawrie’s visit to Craigielaw just over a fortnight later will be to make his debut in the Scottish Senior Open, the Aberdonian set to join a home contingent that will also include the defending champion, Gary Orr.

“It will be very special to play in my first Scottish Senior Open in August,” said Lawrie. “It’s always great to play on home soil and I’m looking forward to be playing in front of home crowds as a member of the Staysure Tour.”

• Gemma Dryburgh closed with a bogey-free four-under 67 for a one-under-par total to finish joint 30th behind Australia’s Minjee Lee in the Hugel-air Premia LA Open – her second-best performance on the LPGA.