The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Lawrie takes victory with birdie on extra hole
Nerve-racking first-round experience for famous sporting fathers
Sons of famous fathers are often dismissive of the old man no matter what his achievement – witness the player biographies at this year’s Scottish Boys’ Championship at Murcar.
In answering the listed question “Any family background in sport?” Thomas Boyd Jr, son of the 72-times capped Scotland and Celtic player, simply stated “Dad played football”.
Similarly Michael Lawrie, younger son of Paul, almost casually mentions in answer to the same question “Paul Lawrie – 1999 Open champion”.
For all their experiences, the dads were nervous wrecks as they watched their sons play a nip-and-tuck matchplay tie in the first round on a typically miserable misty, drizzly day at Murcar Links.
“Watching Thomas play is much more nerve-wracking than playing in front of 60,000 at Celtic Park,” said Boyd.
Lawrie, in his sixth year following his boys at the event – eldest Craig is now a professional – still found it tough. “It’s never great walking round as a parent, and it doesn’t get any easier,” he said.
Paul’s nerves were stretched as Michael, ostensibly a clear favourite as a scratch player in his fourth Boys’ compared to Thomas making his debut off four, lost the 16th and 17th to stand one down playing the last.
However, the 17-year-old held his nerve with a beautiful wedge to threefeet for birdie, and then promptly birdied the 19th from seven feet, as Boyd only just missed from 40ft, to close out the match.
“When you are up against it, one down playing the last and then finish birdiebirdie to turn it around, that’s proper matchplay,” said Lawrie Sr.
“Thomas is a very good player, certainly better than off four, but if one guy plays his best and the other’s a little off, that’s what often happens in this event.”
Boyd Jr was just glad he’d given a good account of himself, although “you never like to lose in close matches like that”.
Dad was proud of his performance, and impressed with the championship itself.
“It was very difficult to watch, especially when you can’t coach or shout abuse like I used to take!” he joked.
“It was a great game, and it was good that Thomas showed his ability. In the end, Michael’s quality really came through with the birdies on 18 and 19.”
Michael, in his final year of eligibility, will turn professional like his father and brother this year, but will do so by way of the PGA degree before he tries his hand at competitive golf.
“I want to have something as back-up before I try tournament golf as there’s no guarantee you’re going to succeed at that,” he said.
“It was a tough game today but a good way to start, and my aim is only to get further than the last eight I reached last year.”
He is in the same part of the draw as the overwhelming favourite for the title, Nairn’s Sandy Scott, who himself had his difficulties in winning his opening tie 2 and 1 over Fife County player Greg Cessford (Balbirnie Park).
Scott has actually never got past the third round in the championship.
Scott’s No 1 seeding, however, is more than merited by his winning the Junior Order of Merit at a canter last year, a men’s Order of Merit event, and also the strokeplay version of the Boys’ championship.
“I prefer strokeplay to matchplay, to be honest,” admitted the 18-year-old, who will take up a scholarship at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
“I guess being the first seed there’s a little expectation, but I’m just looking to beat the first guy in front of me.”
Most impressive winner of the Midlands contingent on the first day was the New Club’s John Paterson, just 16 but a last-16 player last year at Dunbar. The Scotland under-16 training squad player breezed through with a 5 and 4 victory over Borderer Aaron Borthwick.