Lawrie’s new driver works well

PAUL Lawrie overcame a driver crisis to make an encouraging start in Abu Dhabi along with fellow Aberdonian Richie Ramsay and Borderer David Drysdale.

Lawrie, who shot a 70, cracked the face of his driver in practice and had to press a new one into action.

“On the seventh tee my tee shot made a bit of a funny noise and on inspection I noticed my driver face had cracked,” he reported.

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“(My caddie) headed off at the ninth to find a replacement from one of the TaylorMade reps. I eventually found one that I like. It’s a pity as I had found one that I really felt good with but the new one also felt great today.”

On-form Drysdale also opened with a two-under effort but Ramsay was top Scot after he signed for a 69.

Colin Montgomerie (71) and Stephen Gallacher (72) are also in the top 40, while Scott Jamieson and Peter Whiteford shot 73s. Marc Warren opened with a 75, while George Murray had a 76.