Paul Lawrie’s son Craig has turned professional and will make his debut as a paid golfer in the same event as the former Open champion did more than 30 years ago.
After deciding to follow in his dad’s footsteps, the 18-year-old is taking part in the North-east Alliance 18-hole event at Ellon.
A +1 handicap amateur member of Deeside Golf Club, Lawrie junior will play a variety of pro circuits in 2014, including the PGA EuroPro, EPD (German PGA Tour) and Alps Tours and will be managed by 4SPORTS, the same agency that represents his father.
Craig said: “I’m excited to test my game at a new level of competition.
“I feel like I’ve really improved in the last six to 12 months and the experience I’ve gained playing with dad in practice rounds, as well as at his invitational event in September and alongside Peter Baker in the British Par-3 championship, will all help when I tee up in my new career.
“I know how difficult it will be and how high the standard is at the top level but I am prepared to work hard and see what comes.
“I could not have a better person to guide me in my pro career than my father who has won the Open championship, played Ryder Cup matches, won European Tour events and so on.
“There is no rush to set myself goals. The first year is all about gaining experience.”
His father said: “It will be really interesting to see how Craig gets on.
“I’ve always encouraged both of our boys to play the game but never pushed them in one direction or another. Craig is certainly a better golfer at this stage than I was at 18.
“It’s well known that I turned pro playing off five. So, looking at it purely on these terms, he’s much better than I was when I made the transition.
“Craig is very strong from tee to green and regularly outdrives me in our bounce matches. He struggles a little bit on and around the greens.
“The best advice I can give to Craig is not to get too downhearted too early if he does not do as well in tournaments as he would have liked.
“The first year or so is a learning experience.”
Craig’s younger brother, Michael, is 14-years-old, with a handicap of two.