LAWRIE (only one in every two drives finds fairway) SEEKING SOLUTION TO PULLED

TEE SHOTS

Writing in "The Scotsman" today, Mike Aitken has interviewed Adam Hunter, Paul Lawrie's erstwhile coach, on their parting of the ways which, Adam says, is a permanent one this time.

Hunter says he quite understands why Paul wants a change of coaching advice at this stage of his career and with a return to Carnoustie and the Open coming up.

Mike Aitken writes:

Never the straightest driver on Tour, Paul Lawrie has worked hard to eliminate pulled tee shots. However, his driving accuracy stats are ordinary with only one in every two drives finding the fairway.
While Lawrie wants to find a solution to the wayward tee shots which have plagued his career, Hunter felt the last European golfer to win a major might have been better concentrating on honing his short game rather than fretting over ball striking.
Hunter believes Lawrie needs to scramble more effectively and pointed to a much improved short game performance at Celtic Manor in the Wales Open as the way forward for the Aberdonian.
FRIENDSHIP WILL ENDURE

Confirming there was no animosity in the split and that their friendship would endure, Hunter said he was proud to have played a part in four of Lawrie's five Tour wins and would always treasure the major championship success at Carnoustie.
He explained how their relationship was closer than between most coaches and players. "There were a few calls in the early hours of the morning and at times I almost felt like his manager as much as a coach," added Hunter.

"I put in a lot of time and effort and, of course, I felt disappointed when he told me something had to change in his game and it was time to take a break. On the other hand, we had a good run and it will free up more time for the teaching I do at Mearns Castle golf academy in Newton Mearns."
Although news of the split only became public this week, Hunter said the men hadn't worked together since before the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last month. He also indicated there was little likelihood of the pair ever getting back together again, as happened after a previous split three years ago. "I doubt if we would go back down that road, because the truth is it didn't work," admitted Hunter.

GROWING REPUTATION
Having worked with Marr in readiness for his tee time at Le Golf National in the company of Soren Kjeldsen and Jyoti Randhawa this afternoon, Lawrie said: "I've known Neil for a few years but I haven't taken him on board out of convenience or because he is local. He is making a name for himself in youth circles and is a lad whose reputation is growing. I am sure we will do well together."