Paul Lawrie returns to Aloha Golf Club for the latest episode of Open de Andalucía
Paul Lawrie, the rampaging Scot who landed the elusive Open Championship title in the year 1999, is yet another major winner who will be reinforcing the field at this week’s Open de Andalucía on the European Tour.
Lawrie has shot back in form after his blistering run to victory almost a year ago at the Parador de Malaga Golf where he took over Johan Edfors of Sweden to win the title and end his winless streak which extended to nine gruesome years.
He lifted the Commercialbank Qatar Masters for the second time last month, further consolidating his position on the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). He is one of the many grizzled European players who are eyeing an appearance at this year’s Ryder Cup.
Lawrie said, “It might’ve been nice to defend my title over the same course, but Aloha is a very nice golf course. I’ve played it a few times before, and it’s always been in good condition in the past and a lot of fun to play. It’s quite short so you don’t
just automatically reach for your driver on the tee – you have to think about it a bit more, so I’m sure the boys will love it.”
The event is hosted by Miguel Angel Jimenez (MAJ Group) and the grizzled vet from Spain paid a visit to the Aloha Golf Club, the venue of the event, before leaving for his bid in the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship.
Lawrie further added, “With it being Miguel’s tournament, you really want to defend your title and also look after a fellow player, so I’m really looking forward to it”.
Meanwhile Jimenez is hoping another blistering success on the event and insisted that the course is in great condition to facilitate the guests.
The 18-european Tour winner said that the weather conditions are favourable for this part of the year and players and guests will enjoy great Spanish hospitality over the weekend.
Jimenez said that he has been engaged with the event for the last six years and given the fact that he was born in Andalucía, it gives him great pleasure and honour to host the event.
No fewer than five major winners will be part of the field this week including the likes of Rich Beem of America, New Zealand’s Michael Campbell, home favourite Olazábal and Canadian Mike Weir and Scot Lawrie.
Apart from Jimenez, top Spanish golfers Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, Pablo Larrazábal and Pablo Martin will be representing the home country, in hopes of landing the title.
The event holds a total purse of €1million and the 6,881 yards, par 72 is all set to extend a stiff challenge to the weathered field of the tournament.
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