New age golf range helps Deyen Lawson find the pin on course

GOLD Coast golfer Deyen Lawson has used a new-age driving range in his home city to propel himself to his first European Tour card.

GOLD Coast golfer Deyen Lawson has used a new-age driving range in his home city to propel himself to his first European Tour card.

For many nights Lawson has found himself on the range at Top Golf hitting balls while waiting for partner and former caddie Ali Orchard, the facilities lead instructor, to finish work.

Lawson doesn’t use it as part of his strict training regimen, but rather a relaxed outlet where he can enjoy the game away from the stress of the course.

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But playing ’top pressure’, a game requiring players to hit certain targets, has unwittingly sharpened Lawson’s game as he begins his first full year on the European Tour.

“Every bit of practice helps but it’s a much more relaxed environment,” Lawson said.

“It’s time off but not time off at the same time. It’s a bit more balanced which is good.”

Deyen Lawson and partner Ali Orchard at the Australian PGA Championship. Picture: Supplied.

Lawson secured his European Tour card through Spain Qualifying School and finished tied 30th in his first event of the Tour at the Hong Kong Open last week before arriving back home for the Australian PGA Championship.

Lawson and Orchard will travel to South Africa on Sunday night to play in the South Africa Open, play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in Scotland before competing in Dubai after the Christmas break.

TARRAGONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 14: Deyen Lawson of Australia plays a shot on the 9th hole during Day Five of the European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage at Lumine Golf Club on November 14, 2018 in Tarragona, Spain. Picture: Luke Walker/Getty Images.

Lawson and Orchard, who grew up on the Gold Coast, met while completing their PGA golf traineeships and have dated for the past three years.

They purchased a house together in Robina at the start of this year and Lawson, originally from Geelong, now plays out of Surfers Paradise Golf Club where Orchard’s father runs the pro shop.

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Lawson hit four-over par in the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship to leave him with a lot of work to do to ensure he makes the cut after Round 2.

“I just didn’t putt very well,” Lawson said.

“A few shots didn’t go my way and it’s the first over-par round I have had in quite a while. It just happens.

“It puts you back in your place but if I shoot a low one (Friday) then who knows.”