Golfer Craig Lawrie has decided to follow in his father’s footsteps after making the decision to turn professional.
The 18-year-old, the eldest son of 1999 Open champion Paul, will play his first event as a professional at the North-east Alliance meeting at the McDonald club, Ellon, today.
Craig, who plays off a handicap of plus one, has enjoyed a successful year, finishing top amateur at the British Par 3 Cham- pionship as well as winning the Deeside club junior championship and men’s stroke play championship.
Craig reckons the advice he has received from his father will stand him in good stead as he looks to progress in the paid ranks.
He said: “I couldn’t have had anyone else better to guide me through. My dad has seen it all from working in a pro shop to playing in Ryder Cups and Open championships.
“I am still young and enjoying my golf, so I wanted to kick on and start playing while I had the chance. If it doesn’t work out then there is plenty of time afterwards to do my PGA training.
“I have always wanted to play golf for a living and I am looking forward to testing my game at a new level of competition.
“I know how difficult it will be and how high the standard at the top level is but I am prepared to work hard and see what comes of it.”
Craig, who will be attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, will cut his teeth on the professional circuit by playing a mixture of events on the Pro Golf Tour, the EuroPro Tour, the Alps Tour and the Tartan Tour.
Proud father Paul described his son’s decision to turn pro as “very exciting” and believes he possesses a good enough game to give himself a chance of making the grade.
He said: “I turned pro a year earlier than Craig at 17 when I was playing off a handicap of five and was not very good.
“Craig is a lot better than I was at his age. I improved quickly once I turned pro but everyone develops differently.
“A lot of our foundation players – David Law, Jordan Findlay, Philip McLean and Kris Nicol, have played on these tournaments and rave about how well organised they are.
“It will be beneficial for Craig to spend time with those boys as they have been playing on these tours for a few years.
“Craig is very strong from tee to green and a good ball striker. He hits it quite far and further than me on a regular basis.
“There is a huge leap from amateur golf to making a living from the game, so it will be interesting to see how Craig gets on.”