Lawrie launches new Junior

Jug tournament for Under-18s

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
Paul Lawrie reinforced his support of Scottish Golf by hosting a special SGU Academy day staged at The Carrick on Loch Lomond and launching his new Paul Lawrie Foundation Junior Jug tournament, providing a new competitive fixture in the Under-18 domestic schedule.
The former Open Champion demonstrated extraordinary commitment to youth development by taking time out of his packed competitive schedule and sponsorship commitments to spend a day with SGU Academy players, watching Year 1 and Year 2 players compete in an 18-hole competition at the prestigious and challenging course on the shores of Loch Lomond.

After monitoring the players’ progress, Lawrie staged an informative short game clinic before the youngsters were given the unique opportunity of asking the Major winner questions about the game and his new tournament.
The day was rounded off with a presentation to the winners from the morning tournament and the Academy players were given a rare chance to be photographed with Lawrie and his prized Claret Jug which he won at Carnoustie in 1999.
Commenting on the day’s events, Lawrie said, “Today has been a great opportunity to see first hand some of the golfers coming through the SGU coaching system in Scotland who are the players and supporters of the game in the future. I am delighted to have witnessed the calibre and talent of these players and how well they are being supported. I hope to see many of them competing in my Junior Jug tournament.”
He added, “It is vital for young players to gain as much competitive experience as they can in quality events to help them fully realise their talent and aspirations. Tournaments are won and lost by tiny margins and every opportunity at this stage counts in the overall development of a player. I am pleased to be part of the ongoing development of Scottish golfers. “
The Paul Lawrie Foundation Junior Jug tournament comprises seven qualifying events in different regions, hosted at Nairn Dunbar, Inchmarlo, Downfield, Craigielaw, Kingsfield, Cowglen and Southerness with the top four handicap and scratch players (either male or female) qualifying for a place in the final.
Dundonald Links will host the inaugural Paul Lawrie Junior Jug final which has been included as an SGU Boys Order of Merit counting event, on Saturday 5th September.

Hamish Grey SGU CEO said, “The SGU is deeply grateful to Paul for offering his time today, providing our Academy players with an invaluable learning experience and one I am sure they will never forget. His dedication to the game both on and off the course is a great inspiration to our golfers who can learn so much from a player of his achievement and stature.

“Like Paul and his Foundation, I am sure the Junior Jug event will be a great success and I am glad that we can continue to work closely together and have included the final as one of our counting events in the SGU Boys Order of Merit.

Grey added, “I would also like to thank The Carrick on Loch Lomond for their generosity in providing courtesy of the course and hosting the day, playing their part in supporting the development of young Scottish players.”

-