What is it about St Andrews Opens and the passing of the torch? There was Jack and Tiger in 2005. This year there was Tiger to…well, somebody.
And for North East golf, there was Paul Lawrie handing on to David Law. At least that’s how it felt.
The 1999 champion won’t admit this was his final Open, mostly because he wants to avoid all the fuss that might ensue. But it certainly felt that way.
Law makes the cut with comfort
A special week @TheOpen @TheHomeofGolf 🏴🏆
Good luck to Paul Lawrie & David Law playing the 150th edition of The Open Championship
Round 1 ⏰️
6.35am @PaulLawriegolf
2.15pm @DavidLawGolf pic.twitter.com/rSpUYpHiJ2— 5star sports agency (@5starsportsA) July 13, 2022
Happily, his protege not only made the cut in his first Open – his first major – but did it handsomely at three-under. And both mentor and Law himself think he’s on the brink of something.
“First Open, first major, big field. Great for Davie,” said Lawrie. “We’ll walk around with him at the weekend and watch him play.
“Ireland (where he finished fourth and qualified for the Open) was huge for him. To be in that kind of company, have a chance to win coming down the last few holes. Then get a game here and then play four rounds. Man, it’s got to be huge for him.
“I hope he takes that on board and he kicks on, because, for me, he’s really close to going to that next level. I don’t see why he can’t. Hopefully this week will do him a lot of good.”
Law thinks he’s found a way to thrive, and it certainly seems so after his recent performances.
“These two rounds have been two of the most patient rounds I’ve ever played,” he said after rounds of 72 and 69. “This suits me, with flags tucked away I tend not to make too many mistakes.
“I’ve been good at that, and I’ve kept bogeys off my card in the good tournaments I’ve had.
“That’s what major golf is about I suppose. Lots of the time it’s the guy who makes the least mistakes that does well. I’ve proved I can compete at this level and now I just need to produce more of the same.”
The key is, despite the unavoidable nerves, is keeping it as normal as possible.
“Paul told me to treat it like just another tournament,” he continued. “Don’t pitch up and do anything differently. Obviously it is different but you have to embrace the nerves and stick to your routine.”
The only downside is his mum and dad booked a holiday with his younger sister and couldn’t switch at late notice. “Dad will be spitting feathers he’s not here,” added David.
‘I was just hacked off’
It’s been an emotional week for Lawrie, hitting the first tee shot and gaining honorary R&A membership. He didn’t want any more emotion on the final day.
“I was just hacked off,” he said. “Because when you play, when you score like that, whether you’re 53 or not…
“Look, – I wouldn’t have played if I never felt like I could compete. I always said that. I felt all right coming in this week. But I’m one of the shortest in the field. Next week (at the Senior Open) I’ll be one of the longest.
“There’s a massive gulf now. I’m not sure what the story is (for playing more Opens). I’ll wait and see how I feel. But right now, it would be no.
“I always said I wouldn’t ever take a spot if I didn’t feel as though I could play okay and play four rounds. I won’t do that. I’ll see how I feel next year whether I play or not.”