Lawrie backs Montgomerie for Major sucess too

Paul Lawrie was celebrating his dramatic Open Championship victory but he took time out to assure fellow Scot Colin Montgomerie that his time will come.

The 30-year-old Aberdeen golfer wrote his name into the record books by becoming the first qualifier to win the famous Claret Jug after a thrilling play off win over Justin Leonard and Jean Van de Velde.

Lawrie's joy was in contrast to Montgomerie's misery as he once again failed in his quest to land a Major.

Monty, who leads the Ryder Cup standings and is top European money earner, could only manage a final-round 74 for a 12 over par 296 total.

But Lawrie insists that Monty's elusive first major victory will come.

"I have the utmost respect for Colin and I am sure he will win a major," insisted Lawrie. "He's too good not to."

Lawrie is now second in the Ryder Cup standings and guaranteed to play in the European team at Brookline in September.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I was 24th on the list before the Open and now I'm second. I cannot wait to get there."

Lawrie drove home to Aberdeen after the event and stayed up chatting up with his wife Marian for hours with the trophy by his side.

But his excitement meant he had little sleep as he came to terms with his triumph.

He added: "There were a lot of people at the house this morning and everything is just about sinking in. The Claret Jug is there and my name's engraved on it.

"I drove my brother-in-law Gary home at around 11.30pm and have watched the play-off - my wife recorded it on video.

"I had a couple of drinks and then went to bed and couldn't sleep and then I was up again to watch the play-off again.

"I don't know how many times I'm going to watch it again - perhaps once or twice more."

Lawrie insists money and fame will not change him although he, wife Marian and children Michael and Craig, will now be able to afford more of life's luxuries.

"Believe me I will have a Ferrari in the not too distant future," he said, "if not a Porsche as well."

But the 'local boy' has no thoughts of leaving Aberdeen and insists his feet will stay firmly on the ground.

"I will not change - not one little bit. Obviously financially I'm going to be financially secure for the rest of my life but I can't see much changing personally."