Lawrie: Give us the Ryder Cup

The Daily Record, 27 October 2000

Former Open champ Paul Lawrie reckons bringing the 2009 Ryder Cup to Scotland would mean more to him than his Carnoustie triumph last year.

Lawrie is helping to front the bid which could bring the tournament north of the border after spells in England and Spain.

He said: "We are the home of golf and the Ryder Cup is probably the second or third largest event in the world. I can think of nothing better than to play in a winning Ryder Cup team in Scotland. It would mean more to me than Carnoustie."

Colin Montgomerie joined the call for the competition to be staged in Scotland. He said: "Our bid will be a catalyst for the development and promotion of golf in Scotland.

"I am delighted plans have been developed as part of the bid to give so many young people access to the sport and to give them the chance to play golf by the age of nine."

A successful bid would net the Scottish economy at least pounds 67million. A decision is expected on the winning bid in January.