The Royal & Ancient (R&A) has increased its backing of the junior golf foundation set up by former Open winner Paul Lawrie.
As well as acting as golf''s ruling body in all parts of the world save the US and Mexico, the R&A invests the money it accrues through the running of the Open Championship into golf development projects.
With this in mind, the R&A is to forward extra funds to Lawrie''s foundation for 2008 and 2009 in a bid to build on its success so far.
The news has delighted Taylor Made player Lawrie, who hopes his programme can help to produce future Open winners.
"I''m extremely grateful for the increased support of this programme," he said.
"It''s a big boost knowing that the R&A are as dedicated as I am to the development of the junior game in Scotland."
Lawrie memorably won the Open in 1999 at Carnoustie after front-runner Jean Van de Velde came to grief in the Barry Burn. |