LAURA FOR PORTUGAL, THANKS TO SLGA, PAUL LAWRIE FOUNDATION

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Colin@scottishgolfview.com

This could be a final year in the amateur ranks for Alford's Scotland international, Laura Murray, if her plans to qualify at the Ladies European Tour School at the end of the season work out.

So 22-year-old Laura is determined to bow out in style with with performances as good if not better than her 2010 highlights of winning the prestigious St Rule Trophy at St Andrews and helping Scotland to win the women's home internationals title for the first time in 19 years.
She also featured in the "match of the week" in the Scottish women's championship at Craigielaw, losing to eventual title-winner Kelsey MacDonald 2 and 1 in the semi-final in which Laura was three under par and Kelsey five under for the holes played.
Selection for the Great Britain and Ireland team for the Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe at Royal Porthcawl in June would be the icing on the cake.
Laura starts her 2011 competitive campaign by taking part in the Portuguese international women's amateur championship at Aroeira Golf Club, near Lisbon from January 27 to 30.

"I'm the only Scot who has entered the event. I'm not sure why there are no other Scots going to it, because it's a fantastic early-season tournament and the field is always of high standard," said Laura who works as a swimming pool lifeguard at Kippie Lodge Sports Club, MIlltimber near Aberdeen.

"My Portuguese trip is being funded by both the SLGA and the Paul Lawrie Foundation, which is great. If it weren't for the financial assistance provided by either organisation, I probably couldn't go, so am very grateful and can't wait to get out and play in some warm weather!

"Coach Kevin Craggs and I have been working hard throughout this winter so will be looking forward to seeing how it goes."