Paul Lawrie: "I've only had one chance to win a Major – and I grabbed it"

As The Open returns to Royal Birkdale, we caught up with 1999 Champion Golfer of the Year Paul Lawrie at last week’s OFX Irish Legends to discuss what it takes to win golf’s oldest Major and why he believes Rory McIlroy is still the man to beat.

Lawrie’s triumph at Carnoustie remains one of The Open’s most dramatic finishes. Ranked 241st in the world, the Scot started the final round 10 shots behind before carding a closing 67 and watching from the clubhouse as France’s Jean Van de Velde suffered a famous collapse on the 72nd hole, squandering a three-shot lead. Lawrie then prevailed in a four-hole play-off to become the first Scottish winner of The Open on home soil since 1931.

Speaking to presenter and former LET Professional Amy Boulden at Carton House, Lawrie reflected on his unforgettable triumph at Carnoustie in 1999, admitting The Open remains the championship every golfer dreams of winning.

“It’s the one event, if you’re a British or Irish player, that you want to win,” Lawrie said. “To have the opportunity to do it is amazing, and to know your name is on the Claret Jug is incredible.”

Despite the famous circumstances surrounding his victory, Lawrie says it is the way he handled the biggest moments that gives him the greatest sense of pride.

“It was the only opportunity I ever had to win a Major,” he said. “When I got my chance, I stayed calm, I was confident and I stayed in the moment. I didn’t get ahead of myself. I hit the shots I needed to hit when I had to. I’ve only had one chance to win a Major and the chance that I got, I grabbed it. That’s something I’ll always be hugely proud of.”

Attention now turns to Royal Birkdale, a venue Lawrie rates among the very best on The Open rota. But as with every links championship, he believes the weather will have the biggest say in who lifts the Claret Jug on Sunday.

“If it’s flat calm then half the field probably has a chance. But if the weather turns and you’ve got to control the trajectory of your golf ball, suddenly you’re down to maybe 15 or 20 players who can win.”

When asked who he expects to contend this week, the 56-year-old backed Rory McIlroy to challenge once again. McIlroy arrives at Royal Birkdale looking to win his second Open Championship, having lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool in 2014 before completing the career Grand Slam with victory at the Masters last year.

“I always think if Rory plays half decent, he’s the best player of them all,” Lawrie said. “I know Scottie’s world number one, but if everybody plays well and putts okay, Rory’s the one I’d back. I’d love to see him win another Open.”

The conversation also turned to Lawrie’s own schedule, with the Scot looking ahead to competing in front of a home crowd at next month’s Staysure PGA Seniors Championship at Trump International Golf Links Scotland.

“It’s brilliant to sleep in your own bed and have the chance to win in your own city,” he said. “For us on the Staysure Legends Tour, it’s almost like a Major. Ryan and Staysure do a great job and it’s become a fantastic event. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Taking place from 6th – 9th August at Trump International Golf Links Scotland. The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship will make history as the first professional tournament to be played on the venue’s spectacular New Course, with fans able to watch some of golf’s biggest names compete in Aberdeen.

Those looking to experience the action from inside the ropes can also enquire about the Championship’s exclusive Playing Experiences, while tickets are on sale now via the tournament ticketing page.