Lawrie event to return to NE

Murcar Links lined-up to stage second edition of former Open champ’s tour event

The Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay is to return to Murcar Links Golf Club in 2016, it has been confirmed.

Following a successful debut on the European Tour in 2015, the event, hosted by 1999 Open champion Lawrie in his native Aberdeen, will feature on the schedule again next year and will be played from August 4-7.

It will remain a 64-man match play straight knock-out featuring the leading players on the Race To Dubai.

“I’m delighted to see the event returning to Murcar Links again next year,” said Lawrie, an eight-time winner on the European circuit.

“The course was in fantastic condition for the inaugural event and the feedback from the players on the venue and format has been very positive.

“We all thought the course was set up perfectly for match play and we saw some exciting golf being played this year, so it’s great to give the players another shot on this fantastic course.”

Malcolm Gunnyeon, Murcar Links’ club captain, dded: “It is fantastic for Murcar to be asked to host the tournament again.

“We were delighted that the course received such great feedback from both players and spectators this year and we will be working hard to ensure it is in as good, if
not better, condition for next year.

“All of us at the club are really looking forward to working with everyone involved to make the 2016 event an even bigger success and once again showcasing what Murcar has to offer our members and visitors.”

The first edition of the tournament saw Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat run out the winner, beating Sweden’s Robert Karlsson on the last hole.

Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “I am delighted to see the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay return to our schedule next season. Last year’s tournament concluded the day before I took office officially and I vividly remember my first day at Wentworth people talking to me about the excitement of the tournament, which had just finished in Aberdeen.

“We are always looking to be innovative on the European Tour and a pure knock-out match play tournament certainly fits that bill.

Paul is one of our most respected members and I want to thank him personally for the effort he has put into this tournament, alongside sponsors Saltire Energy and everyone at Murcar Links Golf Club.”

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