Tour News (posted 8th July 1998)

Torrance gets Golfer of the Month award

London - Sam Torrance has been named the European Tour's Golfer of the Month for June following his victory in the Peugeot Open de France. The 44-year-old Scot ended almost three years without a win in Paris, grabbing birdies at the final two holes, and won the vote ahead of English Open champion Lee Westwood - also seventh at the US Open during the month - and Swede Mats Lanner, who regained a tour card by capturing the Madeira Island Open.

A panel from the Association of Golf Writers and Sky Television met with tour representatives at the Moet and Chandon headquarters in London to discuss the candidates.

Commentator Ewen Murray said: "Sam turned professional 28 years ago, has been through it all and he produced a performance that smacked of character and gave notice that he intends to challenge for a Ryder Cup place again in 1999."

Other monthly awards this year have gone to Thomas Bjorn, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ernie Els, Thomas Levet and Colin Montgomerie.