Open champion Paul Lawrie, hurt yesterday when a youngster he was showing how
to swing struck him on the left wrist, has declared himself fit for his title
defence.
"The wrist is good," said the 31-year-old Aberdonian who was advised to rest
for two days by the European Tour physiotherapist.
"The swelling I had yesterday has gone away. We've been icing it every couple
of hours. I played this morning and had no problem with it at all.
"When it happened, it felt horrible. I put my hand straight in my pocket to
not let on he had done anything. Obviously he didn't realise what had
happened but I'm going to find out his name and address and send him a little
letter. I feel sorry for the kid really."
Lawrie's upset win at Carnoustie last year gained him entry into Wednesday's
four-hole, former champions challenge alongside such as legends as Sam Snead,
Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
After that he will take another anti-inflammatory tablet and ice the wrist a
final time before teeing off tommorrow at 12:20 alongside Fred Couples and
John Huston.
"I think I have been very very, lucky," said Lawrie. "Had my watch not been
on it would have been quite messy. But I've been very lucky, which is unusual
for me."
Lawrie said he felt no extra pressure at coming into the Open at St Andrews
as the defending champion.
"The game is in good shape. No reason why I can't
go ahead and win again," he said. "Obviously I haven't won since last year
but it doesn't really bother me. Obviously I'd love to win again and being at
the champions dinner last night brought it home to me what it means when you
are Open champion."
