Lawrie feeling the pinch

Now that the excitement of the Masters has abated, the rank and file members of the European Tour get back to business this week when the Spanish Open visits the outstanding El Saler course in Valencia.

Peter Lawrie will be among the Irish competing and though his career earnings amounted to over €5.3m at the start of the season, he admits that the day to day life of a golf pro is a world away from the glitz and glamour of Augusta.

He revealed the growing difficulties facing players to make a living with fewer tournaments, greater travel and smaller prize funds.