Paul Lawrie is lauded by Neil Fenwick for setting up new pro tour

Life looking up for Capital golfer after dad’s Covid scare
Neil Fenwick with his dad Ross, who won his fight with the Covid-19 virus, and young son LouieNeil Fenwick with his dad Ross, who won his fight with the Covid-19 virus, and young son Louie
Neil Fenwick with his dad Ross, who won his fight with the Covid-19 virus, and young son Louie

Life is starting look up again for Lothians golfer Neil Fenwick, both on and off the course.

The biggest relief for Fenwick over the past few weeks was seeing his dad, Ross, wake up from a Covid-19 coma after fighting for his life for six weeks in ICU at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

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Now the Capital-based player is gearing up for an unexpected return to competitive action thanks for former Open champion Paul Lawrie.

Through his Five Star Sports Management & Events company, Lawrie has laid out plans for a new Tartan Pro Tour comprising of six 36-hole tournaments in August and September.

This year this circuit is aimed at providing playing opportunities for home-based tour pros left in limbo by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The PGA EuroPro Tour, one of the main third-tier circuits in Europe, scrapped its entire 2020 schedule as soon as lockdown measures were implemented in March.

That left the likes of Fenwick, who played football for Dunfermline before deciding on a career in golf, with nowhere to play this year until Lawrie made his welcome announcement on Thursday.

“I’m getting over my dad’s tough time and now I can’t wait to play these events,” said Fenwick of a series that is scheduled to start with the Carnoustie Challenge on 5-6 August.

Next up will be the rescheduled Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Scottish Par 3 Championship presented by Farmfoods in Aberdeen on 8-9 August.

The Royal Dornoch Masters presented by Gym Rental Company then takes place on 7-8 September, followed by the Pollok Open presented by Blue Group follows on 10-11 September.

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The Jubilee and New Courses then stage the St Andrews Classic presented by Cloudcube on 15-16 September before the schedule concludes with the Rowallan Castle Championship on 23-24 September.

The winner of an Order or Merit will receive some Challenge Tour invitations.

“It’s amazing news and Paul Lawrie really deserves so much credit for what he does for everyone in Scotland,” added Fenwick. “It wasn’t looking a great year for a lot of us due to the EuroPro being cancelled etc, but this has given us an incredible opportunity to compete this year.

“So I’m very grateful for the chance to play and the incredible opportunities that may be available depending on results.”

Fenwick had cut back his playing schedule two seasons ago before relaunching his career last year thanks to a sponsor stepping in.

That support came as a result of him showing his talent when winning the Carnegie Invitational at Skibo Castle.

“I’ve been fortunate to have my sponsor keep supporting me,” said Fenwick as he reflected on seeing his career put on hold this season. “I have also used savings etc to get through.”

Meanwhile, Lothians man Stephen Gallacher will have to wait until 2021 to defend his Hero Indian Open title.

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The event was postponed earlier in the year due to the pandemic and has now been cancelled.

Gallacher landed his fourth European Tour win when he claimed the title last March with his son Jack caddying for him.

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