Lawrie back in the Fold

Scotland’s Paul Lawrie has been named The European Tour Golfer of the Month for March following his fine victory in the Open de Andalucia de Golf by Turkish Airlines. The one shot triumph at Parador de Malaga Golf – for which he received an engraved alms dish and a jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne – was the 42 year old Scot’s sixth European Tour title but his first for over eight years since he claimed The Celtic Manor Wales Open in the summer of 2002. It was also the second time in his career that Lawrie has won a European Tour Golfer of the Month Award, the first one coming in July 1999 following his memorable Open Championship triumph at Carnoustie. He also won The European Tour Shot of the Year in 2001 for his holed putt from the Valley of Sin in front of the 18th green at St Andrews which helped him win the Dunhill Links Championship. “First and foremost I was thrilled to win in Andalucia as it was great to get back in the winners’ circle on The European Tour,” said Lawrie. “But I was equally delighted with the news I had won the Golfer of the Month Award. It is always gratifying to be recognised for your achievements and this has put the icing on the cake for March for me.” The judging panel, which comprised members of the Association of Golf Writers as well as commentators from radio and television, also considered several other contenders for the award from a fine month’s golf. Particularly praised was Frenchman Raphaël Jacquelin for his victory in the inaugural Sicilian Open and Englishman David Horsey who held his nerve to beat defending champion Rhys Davies and Jaco Van Zyl to triumph in the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco. The panel also recognised the achievement of England’s Kenneth Ferrie who carded the 15th official round of 60 in European Tour history in the third round in Andalucia; and that of Scotland’s Sandy Lyle, who lifted his first title since 1992 when he won the ISPS Handa Senior World Championship presented by Mission Hills China on the European Senior Tour. Lawrie is the third monthly winner of the 2011 season, joining Germany’s Martin Kaymer (January) and Luke Donald of England (February). All the monthly winners will be considered for The 2011 European Tour Golfer of the Year, which was won jointly by Major Champions Graeme McDowell and Kaymer last season.