Lawrie ‘excited’ to start new Scottish circuit at Carnoustie
Twenty-one yearsaftergetting his hands on the Claret Jug at Carnoustie, Paul Lawrie will once again be a proud man at the Angus venue over the next two days as it stages the inaugural event in his new Tartan Pro Tour.
At any time in that interim period, it would have been a brilliant effort by the Aberdonian to get a six-tournament circuit for his fellow professionals, both men and women, up and running.
To have done so at a time when the world is reeling from a pandemic is pretty astonishing, really, and from a social distance, of course, he will have plenty of fellow competitors wanting to express their gratitude.
“Everyone is excited and ready to get going. We’re all very much looking forward to it,” said Lawrie, who had toyed with his idea in the past before deciding now was the right time to see if it could actually materialise. He has some of his loyal sponsors, Farmfoods and Aberdeen Standard Investments, on board and some new ones, Gym Rental Company, Cloudcube and Blue Group, too, with the circuit also being supported by the R&A.
All being played over 36 holes, the Carnoustie Challenge is quickly followed by the Scottish Par 3 Championship at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre in Aberdeen.
The Royal Dornoch Masters, Pollok Open, St Andrews Classic and, finally, Rowallan Castle Championship all follow in September.
“A massive thank you to all sponsors and venues for backing us in very trying times for everyone,” said Lawrie in acknowleding that it was all good and well for him to come up with his plan to provide playing opportunties but it needed others to actually allow that to happen.
With a prize pot of £19,000 up for grabs, the first event has attracted a brilliant field, comprising of a mix of Challenge Tour, Staysure Tour, LPGA Tour, LET Tour, PGA Europro Tour, Tartan Tour and players from other third-tier circuits.
“We’re delighted with the field and there’s nowhere better to start the tour than Carnoustie,” admitted Lawrie, who strengthened his link with the venue as he recently became the attached touring pro. “I played the course on Monday and it’s immaculate, as always.”
For Michele Thomson, who is among ten women in the 72-strong line up, this week’s event could not have come at a better time. “It gives me the opportunity to play with some of Scotland’s leading pros and also gives me the chance to play one of Scotland’s best links courses in the lead up to the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open next week,” she said. “It’s ideal preparation for me and my fellow lady professionals.
“This is a great initiative that Paul has developed. I know through working with him through his 5 Star Sports Agency that this has been something that he has wanted to do for some time and I am confident that this will develop into something bigger.
“It’s superb to see the continued support coming from all the sponsors and I can only thank them for their involvement through what has been a difficult time for everyone.”