Paul Lawrie's commitment to developing golf in his homeland was strengthened last night when the former Open champion's Foundation was unveiled as the new sponsor for the Scottish Boys' Championship.
The prestigious under-18 matchplay event, which dates back to 1935 and boasts a roll of honour which includes Ronnie Shade, Andrew Coltart and Steven O'Hara, will be held at Murcar Links in Lawrie's native Aberdeen this April and will become known as the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Boys' Championship.
The new alliance, which is initially for the 2012 contest, is a historic deal for the Scottish Golf Union and marks the first time a professional golfer has become a sponsor of a national amateur championship. Lawrie's Foundation, which was formed back in 2001, helps support and nurture young golfers, as well as footballers, curlers and swimmers, in the north east. One of his proteges, the rookie pro David Law, won the boys' crown in 2009.
"We are delighted to be lending our support to the Scottish Boys' Championship and strengthening what is already a fantastic event," said Lawrie, whose eldest son, Craig, made his debut in the championship at Dunbar last year and is expected to compete again in April. "It's a championship with a rich history and one which attracts the best young golfers from all over Scotland.
"The Paul Lawrie Foundation is committed to supporting junior golf and increasing the opportunities for our young players to develop. We are proud to be working towards these goals alongside the Scottish Golf Union and are confident our sponsorship can enhance what has already been achieved."
Douglas Connon, the chairman of the Scottish Golf Union, praised Lawrie's support of the junior game.
"This sponsorship is a great boost for the Scottish Boys' Championship and highlights Paul's fantastic commitment to helping develop young golfers across Scotland," said Connon. "He is a superb ambassador for Scottish golf and I really don't think he gets the credit he deserves.
"He has been a trailblazer already through what he has achieved with the Paul Lawrie Foundation and we are delighted to have him on board."
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