Paul Lawrie puts training kids before Scottish Open glory bid

Jul 13 2008 By Euan Mclean

BIG-HEARTED Paul Lawrie put his bid for Scottish Open glory on hold yesterday to coach kids in the Tented Village.

The former Open champion spent half an hour working with youngsters at the Scottish Golf Union's Clubgolf practice nets - two hours before his third round opener.

Most professionals wouldn't dream of interrupting their preparations in such a way.

It says everything about the man that he was still keen to give up vital pre-round time to help the next generation.

Lawrie has his own golf foundation helping 3000 kids in the north east of Scotland every year.

And after his morning session he told MailSport he hopes his coaching set-up might one day produce Scotland's next Open champion.

He said: "I've always tried to give something back because the game's been good to me.

"If I can do a little bit to help kids then I will.

"I wanted to set something up but I didn't feel Iwas a big enough name until I won The Open.

"Since we got the Paul Lawrie Foundation up and running in 2001 it has grown.

"And we want to give as many youngsters as possible the chance to enjoy golf."