Law boosted by Lawrie advice ahead of Vic Open defence

Scotland's David Law has had the advice of countryman and 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie ringing in his ears ahead of his ISPS Handa Vic Open title defence.

The 28-year-old clinched his maiden European Tour title in dramatic fashion 12 months ago, finishing his final round with an eagle to claim a one shot victory over long-time leader Wade Ormsby and Brad Kennedy.

It has not been all plain sailing for Law since clinching his first win just five events into his rookie season, though, as he has only managed two top 20 finishes since.

Law admits he struggled with his short game as the 2019 season wore on and it took a frank conversation with Lawrie for him to start turning things around.

He said: "I spend a lot of time with Paul. We're really close, we practised together at home and I practise at his Golf Centre.

"He came out in Dubai actually and he walked 18 with me on Saturday. I think I shot two or three over but he seemed to think the game was pretty good at the time and that I was probably just a good weekend away from having a good week. And I still feel like that just now.

"We do a lot of short game together mainly, so he helps me out a lot with that.

"At the end of last year - we sit down every year and sort of review the year - Paul's always very honest with me.

"My short game regressed quite a lot over the season and he didn't think that I was working hard enough on it and he's not scared to tell me that.

"He told me 'You need to work harder on that' and I have done and my stats are starting to get a little better.

"I've never really had a great short game anyway but I think it's natural you probably practise the stuff that you're good at and the stuff that you're not so good at, you kind of don't want to practise it so much.

"He just seems to think that I just need to work harder on it, just go back to when you were a kid and try and get the ball in the hole. So we did a lot of that in the winter and it's definitely getting better."

Law is looking forward to defending a European Tour title for the first time at a place he remembers fondly and he will begin his first round at the Creek Course's tenth tee at 0750 on Thursday before taking on the Beach Course in the afternoon on Friday.

He added: "It's special to come back to the event. Last year I really enjoyed it. To come back as defending champion's pretty cool.

"It's two golf courses I like, that suit my eye. I've got great memories from playing well around both of the courses here. I hope to have another strong week."

Law is joined in a high quality field at 13th Beach Golf Club by Major Champion and home favourite Geoff Ogilvy.

Ogilvy has not played much golf in the last year but he is fairly happy with his game.

He said: "It feels pretty good. I'm hitting the ball well. It's like riding a bike in some ways.

"Tournament golf is different from golf. You don't forget how to do it, but you've got to polish the skill a little bit. 

"I like how I hit the ball now way more than even five years ago when I was playing well. I like my ball-striking better than I did before. 

"Short game sharpens up the more you play and that's coming around. If I can make a few putts, good things will happen. It feels all right."