Lawrie ready to turn up the heat
Paul Lawrie believes a spot of warm-weather practice has put him in good shape for the Madeira Open.
The former Open champion missed the cut in the Bay Hill Invitational last week.
But he took advantage by spending his free Saturday in Orlando by practicing for four hours.
“By the end of it I felt a lot happier and more comfortable,” he said. “I am looking forward to playing in Madeira.”
He finished seven over with rounds of 75 and 76 at Bay Hill.
“My game was rusty and inconsistent over the two rounds,” he admitted.
“There was a lack of sharpness around the greens. It really was a sign of lack of golf, which I will be putting right.
“I am looking forward to getting into the season.”
Aberdeen-based Lawrie did not let the harsh winter affect his fitness or his touch.
Instead the 37-year-old worked inside on his putting and stayed in shape with regular visits to the gym.
He is optimistic about what the future holds after two second-placed finishes on the European Tour last season.
Lawrie was runner-up in the Open de Portugal and the Open de Madrid.
He now feels that a return to the winners’ enclosure is a possibility.
“2005 was a season with many positives,” he said on his website, paullawriegolf.com.
“I feel I am on the road back to where I want to be. I am working hard with (coach) Adam Hunter.”
Kenneth Ferrie is aiming to boost his hopes of a place in the Ryder Cup team to face the United States at the K Club in Ireland in September.
Ferrie, from Ashington, is eighth in the European standings and will be looking to impress on the island.
Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen has returned in the hope of retaining his title.
Victory in Madeira did his confidence a power of good and he eventually finished 56th in the Order of Merit.
