Paul Lawrie: Scot Ends European Tour Career After 620 Performances

Paul Lawrie shot an opening round of 73 at the Renaissance Club, hitting in the morning rain

Former Open Champion Paul Lawrie says his "body is in pieces" when he confirmed he is retiring from the European Tour after this week's Scottish Open.

The 51-year-old Scot, who disbanded the Claret Jug in Carnoustie in 1999 and won seven other titles, has suffered a back injury in recent years.

After his 620th Tour appearance, he will concentrate on the senior circuit.

"The most important factor is that I don't feel like I can be competitive at this level week after week," Lawrie said.

"My back isn't very good, I have a hernia and I'm struggling to exercise enough. I can't hit the number of balls I need. I'm not dad Special talented, so I lose my game pretty quickly.

"I am also very busy off the course and I enjoy that more than playing golf these days."

Lawrie – who posted an opening two-over-par 73 at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian – has an Open Championship exemption up to age 60, but is unsure if he will continue to play in the oldest of the game major.

He claimed his last European Tour title in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in 2012, the same year he was part of Europe & # 39; s & # 39 Miracle at Medinah & # 39; in the Ryder Cup. ]

"620 events have been Playing is not a bad innings as I turned pro [in 1986] with a handicap of five and didn't think I would play one, ”he added. "I haven't been a great player, but I've been decent and that's all you can ask for.

" I'm a little glad I'm 51 and not the way things are going. Technology is incredible. My body is in pieces and I still hit it the same distance I was when I was 22.

Lawrie, whose son Craig is his caddy this week, runs his own foundation and golf center in Aberdeen and launched the Tartan Pro Tour this summer, a development circuit of 36-hole events open For male and female professionals.

He also manages several players through his Five Star Sports Agency.