David Law pays tribute to part Paul Lawrie has played in his development

Sam Locke, leadng Scot in last year's Scottish U16 open amateur championship at Portlethen.     Picture by Cal Carson Golf Agency. 

LOCKE, FISHER AND  YOUNGEST 

LAWRIE IN NEW PAUL LAWRIE TEAM

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Paul Lawrie has laid the foundations of a new Team Lawrie of young amateur prospects.
"The original team - which included David Law, Jordan Findlay, Kris Nicol, Philip McLean and Laura Murray - have all now turned pro, so the new kids on the black are Sam Locke, Adam Fisher and Michael Lawrie," said Paul.
Locke, stepson of Lawrie's swing coach, Andrew Locke, is a Banchory Golf Club junior member and finished joint fifth - the leading Scot - in last summer's Scottish Under-16 boys' championship at Portlethen. He brought his handicap down from 10 to 2 in a matter of months in 2013.
Adam Fisher (Newmachar) is another top North-east of Scotland teenage prospect as is Paul's younger son, Michael, a Deeside Golf Club junior member with a low handicap.
David Law, winner of the Northern Open in 2011, has been the most successful "old boy" from Team Lawrie.
He was earmarked by Paul for greater things BEFORE he won the Scottish boys' match-play championship, then the Scottish men's amateur championship twice as a Hazlehead GC member.
Law acknowledges that the 1999 Open champion has played a big part in his own career.
"I was looked after by Paul Lawrie from about the age of 16. I think it's fantastic he is helping three more youngsters," said David who hopes that his first campaign on the Challenge Tour in the 2014 season will lead to promotion to the European Tour.
"At the age Paul began to help me I was really needing guidance and the advice and his help speeded up my transition from boys' golf to the men's game and then from amateur to professional.
"Paul's input in coaching my short game, course management, scheduling and other golfing affairs has been invaluable to me and I know Sam, Adam and Michael will learn a great deal from him.
"As we all know golf is a difficult game to succeed at but with a mentor like Paul it certainly gives you the best chance possible to do so.