Lawrie to sponsor Girls Championship

Former Open champ’s Foundation to back Scottish Girls

Paul Lawrie has furthered his support for the country’s junior golfers with the announcement that his Foundation will sponsor the Scottish Girls’ Championship to be held on the Craighead Links at Crail in July.

The event, which will become the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Girls (Close) Championship, began in 1958 when the trophy was presented by the legendary Helen Holm.

It has been won by many who now play their golf on the professional circuits including Catriona Matthew (as Catriona Lambert), Janice Moodie and Mhairi McKay. Vikki Laing, who competes on the Ladies’ European Tour, won the event a record four times in a row from 1996 to 1999.

The announcement means that Scotland’s leading player on the Race to Dubai now supports the country’s two premier junior events.

The Paul Lawrie Foundation, which was established in 2001, also sponsors the boys’ equivalent, the Scottish Boys’ Championship. The European Tour star began the Foundation as a programme for golfers under the age of 18 to give them the opportunity to try golf and encourage them to develop their sporting potential in a relaxed and fun environment.

Lawrie said he was delighted to be able to continue his backing of Scotland’s most promising players.

“I am very pleased that the Foundation is able to support such a great event,” said Lawrie. “National championships are major events on the junior calendar and I am sure the sponsorship will only enhance what is already a fantastic event”.

Shona Malcolm, SLGA chairman, was pleased to have a player of Lawrie’s stature supporting their top junior event.

“The SLGA is delighted that the Paul Lawrie Foundation is to sponsor the Scottish Girls’ Championship. Paul’s commitment to the development of young Scottish golfers is second to none, and there is no doubt that his support will enhance the competitiveness and profile of the Championship.

“The players will be so excited to have the former Open champion taking an interest in girls’ golf, and they could not have a better role model to follow.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered