Ryder Cup hero Paul Lawrie has been doing his bit to spread golf fever among youngsters from across the north-east.
On the opening day of the championship yesterday, he met Aberdeen teenager David McIvor, who won a competition to design the boards around the course – with his entry at a prime spot on the first tee.
Hundreds of budding artists submitted their entries for the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management design a board competition, and Lawrie named 16-year-old David’s as the best.
It will now be seen by some of the world’s best golfers as they take to the course at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, as well as thousands of spectators.
As well meeting Lawrie, David has won an afternoon tea the club’s pavilion and £1,000 of junior golf equipment for Albyn School, where he is a pupil.
He said: “It was amazing to meet Paul Lawrie and to see my design actually on the golf course. I’ve grown up watching Paul play so to finally meet him has been great, I hope he has a good week.”
Lawrie said: “It was a pleasure to meet David here at Royal Aberdeen, to see his artwork on the course is great and I really enjoyed picking the winning design. He is a talented young artist and I’m sure a talented golfer too.”
And pupils from Tullos Primary School recently enjoyed a visit to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre at Blairs, Aberdeenshire.
The primary five, six and seven pupils were given a tour of the centre before teeing off at the centre’s driving range.
The visit was organised through the Paul Lawrie Foundation – backed by oil producer EnQuest – which gives youngsters from all backgrounds the chance to participate in sports such as golf, swimming, football and tennis.
School head teacher Aileen McGowan said the children had thoroughly enjoyed their visit, adding: “Not only have the pupils been able to try a new sport, but they have received support and guidance from experts. More importantly, the charity has enabled the children to experience something they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to get involved in.”