Paul Lawrie shows off the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles

Published on 03/10/2012 15:16

PAUL Lawrie was instrumental in Europe’s Ryder Cup success at the weekend - and now he wishes the next tournament in Scotland could start tomorrow, as he brought the trophy to Gleneagles today.

Lawrie flew into Gleneagles by helicopter to parade the golden trophy he helped to win at Medinah in Illinois, US, on Sunday.

The 43-year-old golfer, from Aberdeen, was joined on the flight by his son, Craig, and tournament director Richard Hills and said he was very proud to bring the trophy to the venue for the 2014 competition.

“When I was asked to bring the trophy here it was a straight yes, no matter what else I had on today. It’s important that the cup gets handed over, and Gleneagles is going to be a fantastic venue. I just wish it was going to start tomorrow rather than in two years.”

Guests and staff from the hotel took pictures as Lawrie carried the trophy from the helicopter.

When asked to kiss the cup, he said it “still tastes of champagne”.

Scotland was handed the ceremonial baton of host nation when the tournament ended in the US on Sunday night. First Minister Alex Salmond accepted a silver putter which will be kept at Gleneagles until the next tournament finishes.

Around 250,000 spectators from across the world are expected to descend on the Perthshire course for the event, with millions expected to be watching on television.

The Scottish Government estimates that the Ryder Cup will bring an estimated £100 million in to the economy in the week of the tournament alone.

Lawrie won a point in his singles match on the final day to help Europe recover from being 10-6 down to win 14.5-13.5. He hopes to play in the event in 2014.

“It was a special victory because it’s a tough crowd over there,” he said. “You take it a bit in the neck from their spectators because they want the Americans to win badly. So to turn the score around from 10-6 down to win is just a huge achievement by everyone on the team.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen down the line but right now I feel very competitive at 43 and I can’t imagine I’m going to be any less so in two years’ time.

“I think I’m getting better as I get older rather than the other way, so I’d like to think I’ll be on that team at Gleneagles in 2014.”

Managing director of Gleneagles Patrick Elsmie was delighted to receive the trophy which will continue to tour golf courses in Europe until the 2014 competition.

“Today shows how much excitement there is in the Ryder Cup and the next two years will be a fantastic build-up.

“The events in America over the weekend were great and we are doing everything we can to build a similar environment to let the golfers produce the same level of excitement in 2014.”