Loch Lomond Whiskies, ‘The Official Spirit of The Open’, has named 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie as a brand ambassador. He joins fellow Scottish golfing legend Colin Montgomerie.
During a career spanning over 30 years, Lawrie has competed in more than 600 European Tour events. He represented Europe in the Ryder Cup in 1999 and 2012.
His most famous victory came at The Open in Carnoustie in 1999. Then ranked 241st in the world, Lawrie came through a 36-hole qualifying tournament before a significant charge on Sunday saw him force a play-off, despite starting the day ten shots off the lead. Lawrie overcame Justin Leonard and Jean van de Velde to lift the Claret Jug and remains the last Scot to have done so.
Lawrie has been working with the Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies to create the Paul Lawrie Autograph Edition, which will go on sale before the 147th Open in July.
Lawrie said: “I certainly know what it’s like to be the underdog and to overcome the odds. I can see parallels with my story and how Loch Lomond Whiskies have emerged out of the pack over the last couple of years and are now becoming one of the most dynamic, exciting and innovative brands in the world of scotch whisky.
“I’m genuinely thrilled to begin working with the experts at The Loch Lomond Group, who share my passion for arguably two of the country’s most loved exports – golf and whisky – and I’m impressed with how they’ve established themselves in the sport in such a brief period. In the short term I’m looking forward to developing my Autograph Edition before returning to Carnoustie – a course which is obviously very close to my heart.”
Loch Lomond Group CEO Colin Matthews commented: “To be able to bring a player of Paul’s calibre and reputation on board really demonstrates the commitment we have to both growing our brands around the world and growing our presence in golf.
“We’re absolutely delighted to start working with Paul and know that his Autograph Edition will prove a huge hit with golfers and whisky fans alike.”
As part of the agreement, Loch Lomond Whiskies will also participate at the Scottish Par 3 Championship, which takes place at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, Aberdeen on 14 and 15 June. A Loch Lomond Whiskies cask worth over £15,000 (US$22,200) will be given to any players who register an ace on the sponsored hole during the championship.
Last month Loch Lomond announced a five-year agreement with The R&A to become Official Spirit of The Open and Women’s British Open.
