Golf: Lothians lads add to mix in Lawrie event

THE field for the inaugural Paul Lawrie Invitational contains a clutch of aspiring young Lothians professionals.

Mark Kerr, Neil Fenwick, James McGhee and Gareth Wright are in the 66-strong line-up at Deeside, where the 54-hole event tees off tomorrow.

West Linton star Wright has landed a tasty draw after being put in the same group as Englishman Kenneth Ferrie.

Dunbar's Fenwick also has a former European Tour winner for company in Stephen McAllister, who is using the event as part of his preparation for the start of his seniors' career next year.

Former Duddingston man McGhee tests himself against two experienced Tartan Tour pros in Craig Ronald and David Orr, while Kerr, now attached to Murrayfield, is out with Scottish Young Pros' champion David Patrick and EuroPro Tour player Stephen Gray.

"I'm really happy with the mix we've got for the field - there's a nice balance of youth and experience," said former Open champion Lawrie."

The leading 30 players after the opening two rounds qualify for a final 18 holes on Friday, with a place also up for grabs in next week's Scottish Hydro Challenge.