Paul Lawrie links up with Carnoustie in new relationship

The defining moment in Paul Lawrie's career came at Carnoustie in 1999, when he won The Open, and now he's become the touring pro attached to the Angus venue

Paul Lawrie's link with Carnoustie, where he won The Open in 1999, has been strengthened by the announcement of a new relationship with the Angus venue.

The Aberdonian has signed a deal to represent Carnoustie Golf Links as its touring professional and carry out ambassadorial duties.

Lawrie beat Frenchman Jean Van de Velde and American Justin Leonard in a four-hole play-off to get his hands on the Claret Jug in 1999.

His title-winning 4-iron from the fairway at the 18th in that shoot-out will forever be talked about by golfers playing the Championship Course.

“I’m really thrilled to be able to wear the Carnoustie Golf Links logo on my chest and to promote such an historic and wonderful venue when I play events all around the world," said Lawrie.

"Obviously, my own career is inextricably linked with Carnoustie because it is the scene of what is my greatest success as a golfer.

"I love this place anyway, because of my history with it but the ongoing investments by the Links over the past several years in their facilities and golf development programmes has stepped-it-up to another level altogether.

"The fantastic new Links House (which opened ahead of The Open in 2018) is what you’d expect of a world-class complex and the three courses here are all excellent, not just the Championship Course which we know best.”

Lawrie, who was previously attached to Gleneagles Hotel, added: “Junior development is also extremely close to my heart.

"My Foundation was born, largely, off the back of my Open success and to see the brilliant work being done by Carnoustie on this front is exciting.

"I look forward to being able to contribute to their great work within the local community around the inclusive golf development programmes, lending my own experience and insights to assist PGA head professional Keir McNicoll and his coaching team to help nurture future talent from the Carnoustie area.”

Michael Wells, chief executive of Carnoustie Golf Links, said he was "delighted" with the new relationship.

“At Carnoustie, we want to be considered as a flagship for the modernisation of the game," he added.

"By joining forces with Paul, we can work together and unify our collective commitment to innovation and golf development, and we look forward to working together to create maximum benefit for all”

"Already a fairly regular visitor to Carnoustie, Paul who lives only an hour by car from the eight-time Open Championship venue has through this relationship further strengthened ties with the place which has played such an important role in his career and looks forward to getting back to rekindle his fondness for it as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted."

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