Lawrie first Irish golfer to claim Rookie of the Year title

PETER LAWRIE has become the first Irish golfer to be named as the European Tour’s Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.

The 29-year-old Dubliner, selected by a joint panel from the tour, the R and A and the Association of Golf Writers, finished 56th on the Order of Merit and just missed out on a first victory when he lost a play-off to Kenneth Ferrie for the Spanish Open.

Irish amateur champion in 1996, Lawrie turned professional the following year, but after four vain attempts to come through the qualifying school he graduated last season from the Challenge Tour, winning the final event to finish fourth on their money list.

“I looked at the list of past winners of the Rookie of the Year some time ago and was amazed to discover that no Irishman had ever won it, especially when you think of how well people like Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington played early in their careers,” said Lawrie .

“It’s nice to get one up on the lads. This is a trophy they won’t get another chance of winning. This is a great accolade and when you look at the great players who have won it in the past, it makes me feel very proud.”

Meanwhile, China have withdrawn from this month’s World Cup of Golf due to a scheduling conflict involving one of their players.

First reserves Thailand, represented by Jamnian Chitprasong and Pornsakon Tipsanit, will take China’s place at the November 13-16 competition, to be played at Kiawah Island.

European Tour executive director Ken Schofield is planning to retire from his position after 29 years at the helm.

“Ken will have considered discussions with the European Tour board of directors, who will next meet on December 11 prior to making any further statement,” said Mitchell Platts, director of corporate affairs and public relations.

Meanwhile women golfers will have their maximum handicap of 45 reduced to the original 36 as from next February.

Ms. Clodagh Tayler (Kinsale), a member of the Council informed the members of the Southern branch of the ILGU of the decision at their AGM in Castletroy yesterday.

She added that no longer will members have their handicaps lapsed as a result of not having completed three cards. This is due to the Irish members having their handicap system conducted on the lines of CONGU which has been adopted by the men.

Ms. Tayler also stated that it is hoped to adopt changes in the system of running the leagues. The aim is to play the junior and intermediate on Saturday or Monday and the minor league on Sunday or Tuesday, subject to the availability of clubs.

Ms. Daireen Foott (Fota Island) is the new chairman of the Southern branch. There are three new members of the executive, Lucy O’Mahony (Bandon), Claire Keating (Douglas) and Maire Cashman (Harbour Point).

The other members of the committee are Vice President Mary Power (Cork) and Rena Jordan (Douglas), Honorary Secretary Maire McMahon (Dromoland Castle), Assistant Secretary Barbara Foley (Ennis), Irish Council Delegates Kitty Horgan and Rona Brennan (Bandon), Executive L. O’Mahony (Bandon), C. Keating (Douglas), M. Cashman (Harbour Point), P. Nialand (Limerick), E. O’Sullivan (Ballybunion), R. O’Mahony (Cork), L. Carmody (Dooks), G. Cunningham (East Cork), B. Molan (Mitchelstown), M. Shannon (Mallow), M. Power (Youghal), Honorary Junior Secretary Pat O’Leary (Cork).