How Scots Lawman got killer instinct
GOLF
Ten years ago, David Law entered the history books after claiming the Scottish Amateur and Scottish Boys titles in the same season.
Now that same killer instinct has helped him secure a stunning breakthrough win on the European Tour – and created a feelgood factor around the Scottish golf scene.
That is the view of Ian Rae, the long-serving Scottish national coach, who has watched Law win at every level of the game and knew it was only a matter of time before he achieved a Tour title. While Law has been supported by mentor Paul Lawrie and his Junior Foundation, Rae took him under his wing on visits to the Middle East and South Africa with the former Scottish Golf Union and saw him seal two Scottish Amateur crowns (2009 at Royal Troon and 2011 at Western Gailes) and the Boys’ trophy at Royal Aberdeen in 2009.
Law showed those same finishing qualities to secure a maiden Tour triumph at the ISPS Handa Vic Open in Australia last weekend, closing out in style with a stunning eagle on the 72nd hole. “Davie was always a winner, he always had that killer instinct,” says Rae.
“Two Scottish Amateurs, the Northern Amateur in South Africa, the Northern Open, winning twice on the Pro Golf Tour and then on the MENA Tour. Davie was certainly a very good golfer, with a good mind, a winner.
“It’s hard to know how long it will take somebody to reach the European Tour, but he has kept battling away at it.
“Last year just seemed to push him on, winning the Scottish Hydro Challenge and gaining his Tour card. Everything has come together for him.”
Law’s story is all the more remarkable after overcoming personal anguish. Law’s partner, Natasha, gave birth to a girl, Penelope, back in December, easing the pain the couple had felt after their son, Freddie, was stillborn in 2017.
“That win in Scotland gave him the belief again about how good a player he is,” adds Rae.
“Sometimes it just takes that one week and away you go. He’s come through his personal problems, as hard as it’s been, and that’s the character he is. He has always been a nice, likeable guy, but he has a lot of strength in himself and his game.”
Law was also worried about his career as he struggled on the Challenge Tour and was even thinking about lining up parttime work this past winter before winning his Tour card.
Aberdeen-based Law, 27, said: “It’s only natural that you doubt yourself after years on Tour.
“It was about 12 months, or so, ago when the doubt really started to creep in. I’m grateful that I managed to play my way out of that. “One of the toughest things to do is keep your Tour card and thankfully I don’t have to worry about that now after winning last week.
“I’ll look to kick on and see where it takes me. It was a great feeling to win.”
With Grant Forrest, Robert Macintyre and Liam Johnston also making their mark on the main circuit, Rae is confident for the future and added: “They are all pushing each other on. They are all good mates, they have come through the amateur ranks together and they are winners.
“They are all feeding off what is going on with Scottish golf. There are others too, like Connor Syme, Calum Hill, Bradley Neil and Ewen Ferguson. “Davie is older, well respected, and he can see how good all the young fellas are, inspiring him, too.
“There is a nice vibe about the whole Scottish golf scene at the moment.”