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More than a quarter of a century on from his Open triumph, Paul Lawrie has formally teamed up with Carnoustie Golf Links, scene of his 1999 victory.

The 57-year-old Aberdonian will promote the Angus Links in the joint role of touring professional and ambassador.

In addition to promoting the historic venue, Lawrie will also support its development and global profile.

Lawrie made history as the last Scot to win a major when he triumphed in a three-hole play-off also featuring Frenchman Jean van de Velde and American Justin Leonard.

Since then, Carnoustie has hosted two more Opens – in 2007 and 2018 – taking the tally since Edinburgh-born Tommy Armour’s victory in the inaugural Championship in 1931 to eight.

And officials hope having Lawrie on board will boost their prospects of staging the championship again by the end of the decade.

Lawrie said: “I’m honoured to represent Carnoustie Golf Links again and proud to carry the Carnoustie logo on my golf bag.

“My career is already tied to Carnoustie because it is the scene of my greatest success as a golfer.

“I love this place anyway, not just because of my history but because it is one of the world’s greatest tests.

“The ongoing investment by CGL over the past several years and the improvement work that continues to be done to enhance the venue and facilities – to the hotel, course and facilities – is brilliant to see.

“Junior development is always close to my heart.

“My foundation was largely born off the back of my Open success and to see the work being done by Carnoustie on this front through their ‘Carnoustie Craws’ initiative continues to be a great benefit for the local community in helping to grow participation and providing access to this amazing golf environment.”

Carnoustie chief operating officer Ross Blackadder said: “Paul’s legendary Open Championship victory is forever woven into the proud history of this iconic course.

“He will always be welcomed with open arms at Carnoustie, so it felt entirely fitting to formally recognise the bond through his appointment as out touring professional and ambassasdor.

“Dram and comebacks, like the one we witnessed in 1999, are why millions of people around the world fall in love with golf and with Paul’s support, we are confident we can create more unforgettable moments like that in the years ahead.”

In addition to the world-famous Open links, Carnoustie also boasts two other 18-hole tracks, the Burnside and Buddon courses.

Described by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus as the most testing links in world golf, Carnoustie was the scene of legend Ben Hogan’s Open triumph in 1953 in his only appearance in the world’s oldest major.

Carnoustie also includes Sir Henry Cotton (1937), Gary Player (1968), Tom Watson (1975), Padraig Harrington (2007) and Francesco Molinari (2018) in its role of honour.

Having attracted record crowds of 172,000 for the 2018 Open and with an estimated £100 million investment in upgrading the venue, officials are optimistic they can persuade the R&A to bring the world’s oldest major back to one of the game’s oldest courses.

But with Royal Birkdale and the Old Course earmarked for this year and next and Muirfield and Royal Lytham & St Anne’s competing with Turnberry to be reinstated to the rota following lengthy absences, Carnoustie look likely to have to wait until 2030 at the earliest to host a ninth championship.

This article appeared in The Courier on 10 March 2026