Craig Lawrie - son of Paul - to make pro debut - The Scotsman PAUL LAWRIE'S oldest son Craig is following in the 1999 Open champion's spikemarks. The 18-year-old has turned professional and makes his debut in the paid ranks in tomorrow's North-East Alliance event at Ellon. "I'm excited to test my game at a new level of competition," said Craig at today's announcement at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre. I feel like I've really improved in the last 6-12 months and the experience I've gained playing with dad in practice rounds as well as at his Invitational event in September. I know how difficult it will be and how high the standard is at the top level but I am prepared to work hard and see what comes. The teenager will be supported by three principal sponsors - Aberdeen Asset Management, Hunting Energy (both of whom are also long-term supporters of Paul) & M I Swaco, part of the Schlumberger group. He will be attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre and represent the facility. "It will be really interesting to see how Craig gets on," said Paul. I've always encouraged both of our boys to play the game but never pushed them in one direction or another. Craig is certainly a better golfer at this stage than I was at 18. It's well known that I turned pro playing off five, so, looking at it purely on these terms, he's much better than I was when I made the transition. There's a huge leap from amateur golf to making a living from the game.