PGA EUROPRO TOUR EVENT

 

 A view from behind the green at the short ninth on the Dave Thomas-designed Hawkshill course at Newmachar Golf Club. Picture by Cal Carson Golf Agency.

PAUL LAWRIE BACKS GRANITE CITY 

CLASSIC AT NEWMACHAR NEXT JUNE


FROM TODAY'S ABERDEEN PRESS AND JOURNAL
Paul Lawrie has given his support to another new golf tournament in the North-east of Scotland - a PGA EuroProTour event scheduled for next summer.
The Paul Lawrie Foundation Granite City Classic will be held at Newmachar Golf Club from June 24 to 26.
The former Open champion said: "With my son Craig playing on a few different tours, the EuroPro was the one which impressed me the most.
"It was well organised, and a very professional set-up and this seemed like the ideal opportunity to put Aberdeen and the surrounding area in the golfing spotlight again.
"It's a great tour and one which gives spectators the chance to see the next generation of talented golfers coming through.
"The Foundation will support the event financially and in return we will have places to offer our sponsors in the pro-am.
"I'm sure it will be a welcome addition to the EuroPro Tour schedule in 2015."
Michael MacDougall, manager of the Paul Lawrie Foundation, commented: "Full details will be announced in mid-December with regard to the prizefund, field size, etc."
EDITOR writes: In the 2014 season, PGA EuroPro Tour events generally had prizefunds of £42,000 with the big lure of a £10,000 first prize. The top seven finishers earn four-figure cheques and the prizelist is lengthy.
All the events are over 54 holes - with an entry fee in the region of £250 -  and the top players on the Tour Order of Merit at the end of the season can gain promotion to the Challenge Tour.
There is a two-stage Qualifying School for EuroPro Tour playing rights every spring.