Lawrie issues plea for ‘stricter penalties’

PAUL Lawrie has added his voice to the chorus of praise for European Tour referee John Paramor taking action against slow play.

“Well done to European Tour officials for handing out a one- stroke penalty for slow play,” said the Aberdonian of the punishment handed to Ross Fisher in the last round of the Wales Open.

Writing on his website blog, Lawrie added: “Let’s hope it’s the start of stricter penalties as pace of play is horrific at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsson produced a stunning round of 65 to open up a two-shot lead on day one of the Nordea Masters in Stockholm.

The 31-year-old sank eight birdies to go round the course in seven-under, although his mood was dampened slightly by a bogey on the last hole.

Carlsson was one of four Swedes on the leaderboard at Bro Hof as the local favourites made the most of home advantage. Peter Hanson was in a group of four players tied for second on five under, with five birdies sitting alongside a single bogey on his card.

World No 3 Lee Westwood led a group of eight players on four under, alongside Swedish pair Michael Jonzon and Robin Wingardh. Westwood made a flying start with birdies at the first, second and fifth, adding another shot on the par-3 11th. He then bogeyed the 14th but sank another birdie on the final hole to shot a four-under 68.

Peter Whiteford and Lloyd Saltman lead the Scottish challenge after carding one-under 71s. Gary Orr and Craig Lee are level, one ahead of Scott Jamieson. Alastair Forsyth and Steven O’Hara shot matching 74s while Raymond Russell had a 77.