Lawrie named to Europe's Royal Trophy team

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BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Former British Open champion Paul Lawrie has been named to the European team for the Royal Trophy against Asia next month.

Lawrie

Lawrie was named Friday by Europe's captain Jose Maria Olazabal. The 39-year-old Scottish player will join England's Oliver Wilson, Paul McGinley of Ireland and Denmark's Søren Hansen in the squad for the Jan. 9-11 event. All have been Ryder Cup players.

"Paul brings to the team the experience and confidence of a major winner, the understanding of team golf acquired from being in the trenches in American soil at the Ryder Cup, and the talent and ability which has made him a great champion for so many years," Olazabal said.

Lawrie won the 1999 British Open in dramatic circumstances, coming from 10 strokes off the pace on the final day to reach a four-hole playoff, where he beat American Justin Leonard and France's Jean Van de Velde at Carnoustie.

"When you play for Europe, it is always an immense responsibility," Lawrie said. "You are representing our people and our history. I am committed to produce the best golf I am capable of, try as hard as I can and do everything possible to retain the solid-silver trophy in European hands."

The Asian team, captained by Joe Ozaki, includes Thai pair Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng, along with Japanese teen sensation Ryo Ishikawa and South Korea's S.K. Ho.

"We will be competing to defend European golf history, and we do not take it lightly," Olazabal said. "We are bringing to Thailand a fantastic European team heavy on team matchplay experience and sharp on the production of highly efficient and precise golf.

"Make no mistake about it - Europe is coming to Bangkok to win."