Andrew Coltart coming out of retirement for Lawrie

FORMER Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart is coming out of retirement for his first competitive appearance in two years in the Paul Lawrie Invitational at Deeside in a fortnight’s time.

Coltart, a two-times European Tour winner, has accepted a spot offered to him and will join the host along with the likes of Tartan Tour No 1 Greig Hutcheon, James Byrne and David Law in the 54-hole event.

“It’s two years since I’ve played competitively so – tongue in cheek – it will be fun if I can be competitive that week,” said the 43-year-old, who is still heavily involved in golf through his commentary role with Sky Sports and his Tpegs coaching business at Archerfield Links. “Paul is an inspiration to many young Scots,” added Coltart of his team-mate in the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline.

“The work he does and the huge amount of time he gives to his Foundation and the development of junior golf in Scotland is fantastic. He doesn’t get enough credit for this.”

With Lawrie himself playing on both occasions, former Scottish Amateur champion Andrew McArthur beat Kenny Ferrie in a play-off to win the inaugural event in 2011 before Greg McBain prevailed 12 months ago.

“There’ll be some good humoured banter and I’m delighted to come along and support the event,” said Coltart, whose rivals will also include Lawrie’s caddie, Dave Kenny.