Jose Maria Olazabal to face Paul Lawrie in Aberdeen

JOSE Maria Olazabal is heading to Aberdeen next week for a Ryder Cup reunion with one of his “Miracle at Medinah” heroes, writes Martin Dempster.

Paul Lawrie and Jose Maria Olazabal celebrate Europe's Ryder Cup victory at Medinah .Picture: Getty

Paul Lawrie, who beat Brandt Snedeker as Europe pulled off their record-equalling last-day fightback in Chicago, has persuaded the Spaniard to pay a flying visit to the Granite City next Tuesday ahead of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

The pair will play a nine-hole challenge match at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre in aid of the Scot’s foundation and entry is free.

“Paul and Jose Maria have known each other for a long time but their friendship was strengthened by the ‘Miracle at Medinah’,” said Michael MacDougall, who helps run the foundation.

“Jose Maria will be flying up from Gleneagles by helicopter and, as well as raising money for the foundation through sponsorship by a local business, the event will also help raise its profile.”