• PGA Tour

Lawrie opts to skip US Open

ESPN staff
May 3, 2012
Paul Lawrie will not be playing in this year's US Open © Getty Images
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Paul Lawrie has opted not to play in this year's US Open due to his poor previous performances in the year's second major.

Lawrie, the 1999 Open champion, has made the cut just once at the US Open - struggling with the particular difficulties of the event over the years.

With qualification for this year's Ryder Cup the Scot's priority over the remainder of the season, Lawrie has decided to skip Olympic Club for the BMW International Open in Germany the week after - an event where he feels he has a greater chance of earning ranking points towards the team for Medinah.

"My record in the US Open is not good and I understand that it is a major, but I feel I have more chance of playing well at the BMW International Open the week after," Lawrie said. "I know people are going to be surprised... but I stand more chance of earning Ryder Cup points at the BMW in Cologne than in the US Open in California."

Lawrie won the Qatar Masters in February, providing him with a springboard to book his place on Jose Maria Olazabal's European team for Medinah.

His only cut at the US Open came at Bethpage Black in 2002.

"That year everyone was shooting low despite the weather," he said. "So it's a decision I had been thinking about for a long time, and I knew it was going to be an issue but if you know you can't compete in a particular tournament, then why go?"

"So not playing the US Open, and instead playing the following week in Cologne, is better for me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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