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NEWS RELEASE
Today at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre in Aberdeen, Craig Lawrie,
elder son of the 1999 Open Champion, announced that he will take
the leap to join the Professional ranks with immediate effect.
He will be supported by three principal sponsors – Aberdeen Asset
Management, Hunting Energy (both of whom are also long-term
supporters of Paul) and M I Swaco, part of the Schlumberger group.
Craig will be attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre and represent
the facility where he practices. He will play Titleist equipment and
golf balls whilst wearing Oakley apparel.
Following an amateur career in which he won the North East
(Scotland) District Youths in 2012 and finished 10th on the 2013
SGU Order of Merit in the same year that he became the Junior
Champion at his home Club (Deeside), Craig, who plays off a
handicap of +1, has taken the decision to test himself on the
Professional circuit.
Initially Craig's schedule will consist of a mixture of events on the
Europro, EPD (German PGA Tour) and Alps Tours and will be
managed by 4SPORTS, the same agency that represents Paul.
On his decision to follow in the footsteps of his father Craig said:
"I'm excited to test my game at a new level of competition. I feel
like I've really improved in the last 6-12 months and the experience
I've gained playing with dad in practice rounds as well as at his
Invitational event in September and alongside Peter Baker in the
British Par 3 Championships will all help when I tee up in my first
event as a Professional. I know how difficult it will be and how
high the standard is at the top level but I am prepared to work hard
and see what comes."
Paul commented: "It will be really interesting to see how Craig
gets on. I've always encouraged both of our boys to play the
game but never pushed them in one direction or another. Craig
is certainly a better golfer at this stage than I was at 18.
" It's well known that I turned Pro playing off 5, so, looking at it
purely on these terms, he's much better than I was when I made
the transition. There's a huge leap from amateur golf to making
a living from the game".
Craig will make his debut as a Professional Golfer at McDonald, Ellon Golf Club tomorrow (30th October) at 10.03am when he
tees off with fellow Foundation Professionals Jordan Findlay,
Kris Nicol and Philip McLean in the North East Alliance.
Amateur Career Record
- 2013 Junior Club Champion – Deeside Golf Club
- 2013 Deeside Mens Strokeplay Champion – Deeside Golf Club
- 2013 British Par 3 – Amateur Champion
- 2013 Paul Lawrie Foundation Matchplay Champion
- 2013 10th on SGU OOM
- 2012 North East District Youths Champion
Michael MacDougall
Paul Lawrie Golf
07803786423
Published by scottishgolfview.com