Paul Lawrie the perfect Open guide for Connor Graham at Portrush as Perth kid inspired by Scotland hero
Connor Graham reckons the iconic Paul Lawrie image on his shirt offers the perfect inspiration ahead of a dream Open debut.
The teenager is heading for the 153rd Championship after a superb Dundonald display in the qualifiers ended in a play-off success to clinch the last available place at Royal Portrush from the Ayrshire event.
Graham won the Junior Open three years ago ahead of the big one at St Andrews and now he's joining the elite in Northern Ireland.
The 18-year-old is an ambassador for the Paul Lawrie Foundation and, with the logo and image of the Aberdeen star's brilliant Claret Jug success of 1999 on his shirt as he won through, he can have no better Scottish hero to lean upon going into the biggest tournament of his burgeoning career.
Lawrie came through a 36-hole qualifier himself before his magical week and Graham smiled: 'That's definitely an inspiration for me to maybe try and do the same, we'll see.
'It's great to have his support and to be able to lean on someone who has so much experience is definitely helpful. I had a chance to wander around at St Andrews.
'And now getting to play in it will be very special. I wouldn't say there is anything specific, but every year I'm always up from whatever time it is on to watch it and keep an eye on it.
'I do remember that [Shane Lowry win in 2019] and I might have to look back and see how the course was that week. I've played there a couple of times, but I think it might be playing a little differently during Open week. It's some golf course.'
It's been a hugely busy year for Graham with play in the US college circuit through his maiden year at Texas Tech and he explained: 'Well, The Open week was meant to be my off week, so I don't think I am getting much rest now.
'But it is definitely good to have this to look forward to.
'I've definitely played in lots of big events and this is going to be the biggest of them all. But it's been a great first year for me in the US. I definitely thought it went well and it was very enjoyable.
'I had so much fun in my first year and I am definitely looking forward to getting back.'
Graham is the second Scots amateur to make it to Portrush as Cameron Adam won through The Open Series with Bob MacIntyre and Daniel Young also in the field.
He said: 'That was really good that he got in through the Order of Merit, which was unreal and I'm looking forward to being over there with him now.'
Graham played alongside Lee Westwood during the regulation 36 holes at Dundonald, but there was little chit-chat as he said: 'I think he was focusing on what he was here to do, so I only spoke to him a little bit.'
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